# Fourth Floridian dies from flesh-eating bacteria in oysters

> Vibrio vulnificus has killed four people in Florida this year, with 21 total cases reported across the state.
- Title: Fourth Floridian dies from flesh-eating bacteria in oysters
- Summary: Vibrio vulnificus has killed four people in Florida this year, with 21 total cases reported across the state. Raw or undercooked oysters can carry deadly…
- Keywords: florida, vibrio vulnificus, flesh-eating bacteria, oysters, broward county, florida department of health, gulf coast, louisiana, texas, hurricane helene, hurricane ian, food safety
- Source: Fox News — https://foxnews.com/us/fourth-florida-resident-dies-after-contracting-flesh-eating-bacteria-linked-oysters
- Author: Bonny Chu
- Published: 2026-09-15T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: florida, vibrio vulnificus, flesh-eating bacteria, oysters, broward county, florida department of health, gulf coast, louisiana, texas, hurricane helene, hurricane ian, food safety
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Raw or undercooked oysters can carry deadly Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which kills about 50% of people who develop bloodstream infections.