More cases of deadly ‘flesh-eating’ bacterial infection in popular vacation destination
Eight deaths have been reported in Florida due to a «flesh-eating» bacterial infection, according to state health officials.
The Florida Department of Health has confirmed 13 total cases of Vibrio vulnificus across 11 counties, as reported by local outlets.
Last year, the state reported even higher numbers: 82 cases and 19 deaths.
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Louisiana is also seeing a higher-than-average case count, with the health department reporting 17 infections and four deaths so far in 2025.
The U.S. sees an average of 150 to 200 infections per year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most cases of the infection occur in the Gulf Coast states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas).
Vibrio vulnificus is part of a wider group of Vibrio bacteria, which are found in coastal waters, the CDC states.
This specific bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, can enter open wounds when pe..