Health crisis in Florida? 'Dangerous' flesh-eating bacteria kills 4 as Vibrio vulnificus infections rise. Check symptoms

A health crisis has emerged in US state of Florida due to a surge in Vibrio vulnificus infections, a dangerous flesh-eating bacteria, resulting in four deaths this year. In 2024, a total of 82 cases of Vibrio vulnificus and 19 deaths were reported to Florida Health. Health officials have linked Vibrio vulnificus infections to warm coastal waters and raw shellfish consumption.