Description

There has been an unusual and concerning surge in Vibrio vulnificus infections and deaths across the southeastern United States, especially in Florida. This bacterium, commonly known as "flesh-eating bacteria," thrives in warm, brackish seawater and can cause severe, rapidly progressing illness, including necrotizing fasciitis, and has a high fatality rate. While infections are generally rare, experts describe the current situation as "certainly not normal" and are investigating potential contributing factors, including the impacts of recent and forecasted hurricane seasons and environmental indicators like plankton and chlorophyll concentrations. Public health officials are emphasizing preventative measures and immediate medical attention for suspected infections, especially for high-risk people

• Current Toll (as of August 7-8, 2025):
• Florida: 16 cases and 5 deaths reported this year.
• A second death in Bay County was reported within the past three weeks, bringing the state total to five.
• Confirmed cases are spread across various counties including Bay, Escambia, St. Johns, Santa Rosa, Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Okaloosa, and Walton.
• Louisiana: 17 cases and 4 deaths reported this year, exceeding previous annual averages.
• North Carolina: 7 cases and 1 death reported this year so far.
• Mississippi: 3 cases reported this year so far.
• In total, at least 10 deaths have been attributed to Vibrio vulnificus across these states this year.
• Historical Context (Florida Cases & Deaths):
• 2024: 82 cases, 19 deaths (exacerbated by Hurricane Helene).
• 2023: 46 cases, 11 deaths.
• 2022: 74 cases, 17 deaths (unusual increase due to Hurricane Ian).
• The current 16 cases and 5 deaths in Florida for 2025, while lower than recent full-year totals, are significant given it's "early on in the summer."
• Fatality Rate: Approximately 1 in 5 (20%) people infected with Vibrio vulnificus die, with bloodstream infections being fatal about 50% of the time.

III. Main Themes and Important Ideas

A. Nature of Vibrio vulnificus and Infection Routes:

• Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring "halophilic" bacterium, meaning it requires salt, and thrives in warm, brackish seawater. Most infections occur between May and October when water temperatures are warmest.

1. Primary infection routes:Exposure of open wounds: The bacteria can enter the body through cuts, scrapes, or broken skin exposed to warm salt or brackish water. The Florida Department of Health explicitly states, "Water and wounds do not mix. Do not enter the water if you have fresh cuts or scrapes."
2. Consumption of contaminated seafood: Eating raw shellfish, particularly oysters, is a common source of infection.

B. Severity of Illness and Symptoms:

• While severe illness is rare, Vibrio vulnificus can cause rapid destruction of tissue under the skin, known as necrotizing fasciitis, leading to death within days if untreated.
• Symptoms: Rash, high fever, chills, vomiting, nausea, cramping, abdominal pain, skin breakdown, and ulcers. For wound infections, visible signs can appear within hours, including redness, swelling, painful "bull's-eye" blisters.
• Systemic Infection (Sepsis): The bacterium can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe and life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock), and blistering skin lesions.