TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) \u2014 The Florida Department of Health reported the first “flesh-eating” bacteria death of the year on Thursday.<\/p>\n
The FDOH’s website showed there have been 11 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus<\/a> this year.<\/p>\n \u00a0Florida ranks #5 for U.S. measles cases in 2026: CDC Report\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n The latest update from health officials showed one death in Palm Beach County.<\/p>\n Here’s a look at where cases have been reported in Florida this year:<\/p>\n County<\/p>\n Number of cases reported<\/p>\n Hillsborough<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n Lee<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n Marion<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n Miami-Dade<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n Okaloosa<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n Palm Beach<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n Polk<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n St. Johns<\/p>\n 1<\/p>\n Vibrio vulnificus<\/a> is a naturally occurring bacterium in warm, brackish seawater. The FDOH said most people get it by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly\u00a0oysters.<\/p>\n People with open wounds can also be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus\u00a0through direct contact with seawater.<\/p>\n “Healthy individuals typically develop a mild disease; however Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease,” the FDOH said.<\/p>\n If the bacteria invade the bloodstream, it can cause a severe and life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock) and blistering skin lesions, health officials said. Bloodstream infections are fatal about 50% of the time.<\/p>\n FDOH said a severe Vibrio vulnificus infection can require\u00a0intensive care or limb amputations.<\/p>\n Here is a look at the symptoms, according to FDOH.<\/p>\n General infection<\/p>\n Bloodstream infection<\/p>\n Wound infection<\/p>\n Watery diarrhea<\/p>\n Fever<\/p>\n Fever<\/p>\n Stomach cramps<\/p>\n Chills<\/p>\n Redness<\/p>\n Nausea<\/p>\n Dangerously low blood pressure<\/p>\n Pain<\/p>\n Vomiting<\/p>\n Blistering skin lesions<\/p>\n Swelling<\/p>\n Fever<\/p>\n Warmth<\/p>\n Chills<\/p>\n Discoloration (turning a color other than normal)<\/p>\n Discharge (leaking fluids)<\/p>\n To learn more, visit the Florida Department of Health’s website.<\/a><\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n