Florida reports third death from Vibrio vulnificus this month

Florida health officials confirmed a third death from Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria, with 17 cases reported across 12 counties as of August 15. The bacteria occur naturally in warm seawater and can infect through open wounds or consumption of raw shellfish. Cases often spike after storms, with 82 cases and 19 deaths recorded in 2024.