The flesh-eating bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus \u2014 is a rare and potentially deadly bacteria that naturally occurs in warm saltwater and brackish water. However, the Florida Department of Health<\/a> said most people get vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.<\/p>\n BURMESE PYTHON POPULATION BOOMS NEAR POPULAR FLORIDA TOURIST AREA, PROMPTING HIGHER CONSERVATION PRESENCE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Since it is naturally found in warm waters, people with open wounds can be exposed to the flesh-eating bacteria through direct contact with seawater.<\/p>\n So far this year, there have been 11 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus<\/a>, according to health officials. Of those cases, one person has reportedly died.<\/p>\n A member of a search and rescue team being hosed down with bleach and soap after Hurricane Katrina to protect against toxins and bacteria like Vibrio Vulnificus.<\/p>\n (Robert Gauthier\/Los Angeles Times \/ Getty Images)<\/strong><\/p>\n Last year, there were five total flesh-eating bacteria deaths. But in the years before that, deaths were in the double digits.<\/p>\n The Florida Department of Health said several counties experienced unusual increases in cases due to Hurricane Ian<\/a> and Helene<\/a> in 2022 and 2024, respectively.<\/p>\n HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FLESH-EATING PARASITE IN THE US AS CASES TRIPLE IN SIZE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Health officials said Florida is prone to severe weather<\/a> events and after a storm such as a hurricane, floodwaters and standing water pose risks for Vibrio vulnificus exposure.<\/p>\n “It’s important to take precautions against infection and illness following any storm event,” the Florida Department of Health<\/a> said.<\/p>\n Flesh Eating disease and life-threatening bacteria as flesh-eating bacterial infection outbreak of a rare Necrotizing Fasciitis infecting the skin and flesh as a deadly illness.<\/p>\n (Getty Images)<\/strong><\/p>\n People who are healthy typically develop a mild disease, but the flesh-eating bacteria can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease, according to health officials.<\/p>\n The bacteria can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe and potentially life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, septic shock and blistering skin lesions.<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-564023543.jpg\")
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