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What to Know About ‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria in the Gulf
Florida reports 14 cases and two deaths this year as the CDC warns warm coastal waters and raw shellfish can spread the infection.
- Health officials in Florida and Louisiana are warning of Vibrio vulnificus cases this summer, with Florida reporting 14 confirmed cases and two deaths, while Louisiana has recorded nine cases and five deaths.
- Dr. Jeffrey Cirillo of the Texas A&M University College of Medicine said warmer water, flooding, and runoff create favorable conditions for the bacteria, which typically resides in brackish coastal environments.
- People working with oysters or swimmers with open wounds face exposure risks, as infections can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe condition where flesh dies around the affected area.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends seeking treatment as soon as possible when a potentially serious infection is suspected, as symptoms can progress to life-threatening sepsis within days.
- Historical data shows 82 cases and 19 deaths in 2024 following Hurricane Helene, while Florida recorded 33 cases and five deaths in 2025, with officials noting past links to major hurricanes.
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16 Articles
16 Articles
Dangerous flesh-eating bacteria continues to spread due to warming seas • The treacherous microorganism causes tissue breakdown and can even lead to death • People with open wounds should not enter seawater
Public concern is growing as certain types of microbes known as flesh-eating bacteria are spreading rapidly in warming ocean waters. In particular, a bacterium called Vibrio vulnificus can enter the body through wounds and cause serious infections.
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Bias Distribution
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