Fourth Florida Resident Dies After Contracting Flesh-Eating Bacteria Linked to Oysters

<p>A fourth person in Florida has died after contracting flesh-eating bacteria commonly linked to consuming raw or undercooked oysters, according to health officials.</p><p>The death was included in the Florida Department of Health's updated fatality count for the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus. The individual was from Broward County and was between the ages of 75 and 79, as reported by WSFA. The exact manner in which the person contracted the infection is not clear.</p><p>Previous deaths were reported from residents of Bay, Palm Beach, and Marion counties, according to the state’s health department.</p><p>The Florida Department of Health stated, "Most people get vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters." The department's website indicates that Florida has reported 21 cases of Vibrio vulnificus in 2026.</p><p>In the last decade, 2022 and 2024 recorded some of the highest numbers of cases and deaths in the region. Florida documented 19 deaths and 82 cases in 2024, while 2022 saw 17 deaths and 74 cases.</p><p>Officials noted that the unusual increase in cases was linked to certain counties experiencing impacts from hurricanes Helene and Ian. Severe weather events that create standing or floodwaters pose a risk of exposure to the bacteria, they said.</p><p>Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium found in warm, brackish seawater. Exposure can occur through consumption of contaminated oysters or by entering contaminated water with an open wound.</p><p>Health officials indicated that bloodstream infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus are fatal approximately 50% of the time. While healthy individuals typically experience mild illness, infections can lead to severe illness in those with weakened immune systems.</p><p>Florida health officials stated, "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."</p><p>Severe infections can lead to symptoms such as fever, chills, decreased blood pressure, known as septic shock, and blistering skin lesions. In some instances, wound infections can result in tissue damage requiring amputation.</p><p>Elsewhere along the Gulf Coast, Louisiana has reported 15 cases and six deaths this year as of September 9, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Fourteen of these cases were attributed to wound or seawater exposure.</p><p>The Texas Department of State Health Services noted that Texas typically sees an average of 33 cases per year. Mississippi reported three cases as of August, according to the state’s health department.</p>