Overview

• Ben West, 38, became infected with Vibrio vulnificus after crabbing and fishing in Port St. Joe on Aug. 23, according to family accounts and a fundraiser.
• He was hospitalized after rapid decline, placed on a ventilator and faced the possibility of losing his left leg, relatives said.
• Doctors performed multiple operations to remove infected tissue; an Aug. 29 update said the infection was no longer progressing, though additional surgeries and potential skin grafts are expected.
• Family updates said West experienced kidney and liver failure, with a later note that his kidneys appeared to be improving.
• The Bay County health department issued an Aug. 28 alert about a sewage spill in Port St. Joe, and state data show elevated Vibrio activity this year, while a GoFundMe had raised nearly $17,000 as of Tuesday.