Vibrio Rising in Florida and Beyond | Tampa News

Florida’s Vibrio vulnificus outbreak is escalating, with a fourth Broward County resident—aged 75–79—dying from the flesh-eating bacteria, often contracted through raw oysters. This deadly pathogen thrives in warm coastal waters and can be fatal for those with compromised immune systems, who face an 80x higher risk of severe infection. With 21 cases reported this year—up from 19 deaths in 2024 and 17 in 2022—health officials suspect hurricanes and flooding are spreading exposure. Symptoms include fever, chills, plummeting blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions that may require amputation. The crisis isn’t confined to Florida: Louisiana reports 15 cases and 6 deaths, Texas averages 33 cases annually, and Mississippi has logged 3 so far. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.fox13news.com/news/fourth-florida-resident-dies-after-contracting-flesh-eating-bacteria-linked-oysters More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d84713e95caa7a3e Report issues to [email protected].