Fourth Florida death confirmed

A person aged 75-79 from Broward County died after contracting Vibrio vulnificus. Three other Florida residents from Bay, Palm Beach and Marion counties also died this year.

Raw oysters are the main culprit

Most people get vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. Florida has reported 21 cases of Vibrio vulnificus in 2026.

“Most people get vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.”

Hurricane flooding spiked cases

Florida recorded 82 cases and 19 deaths in 2024, the highest in a decade. Officials linked the spike to standing water from hurricanes Helene and Ian.

50% fatality rate for bloodstream infections

Vibrio vulnificus lives in warm, brackish seawater. When it enters the bloodstream, it kills about half of infected people.

Weakened immune systems at highest risk

People with pre-existing conditions are 80 times more likely to develop bloodstream infections than healthy people. Severe cases cause septic shock and tissue damage requiring amputation.

“A recent study showed that people with these pre-existing medical conditions were 80 times more likely to develop Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections than healthy people.”

Gulf Coast states also affected

Louisiana reported 15 cases and six deaths this year. Texas averages 33 cases annually, while Mississippi reported three cases as of August.