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2d ago

Florida Reports Four Fatal Vibrio Vulnificus Infections Among 11 Cases This Year

Despite ongoing investigations, health authorities have not traced where the bacterium was contracted in the latest outbreak.

Image
A grouping of Vibrio vulnificus bacteria revealed in the 13184x magnified scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image, 2005, image courtesy Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and colorized by James Gathany.
A University of Maryland graduate student shows frozen cultures of Vibrio vulnificus.
Flagellated Vibrio vulnificus bacterium revealed in the 26367x magnified scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image, 2005. Image courtesy Centers for Disease Control (CDC) / Janice Haney Carr.

Overview

  • The current outbreak marks a sharp decline from last year’s record 82 cases and 19 deaths linked to hurricanes Helene and Milton.
  • As of July 11, Florida has recorded four fatalities and seven nonfatal Vibrio vulnificus infections across Bay, Broward, Hillsborough and St. Johns counties.
  • Vibrio vulnificus thrives in warm, brackish coastal waters and infects individuals through open wounds or by eating raw or undercooked seafood.
  • Those with chronic liver disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems or iron-overload disorders face the highest risk of severe illness.
  • Officials recommend cooking shellfish thoroughly, covering wounds during water activities and seeking immediate care if infection symptoms appear.