Florida has recorded its first death of 2026 caused by an infection from Vibrio vulnificus, the so-called "flesh-eating" bacterium, according to state health officials, as coastal waters continue warming through the height of summer.

The bacterium, most commonly transmitted through raw seafood or contact with brackish coastal water, earned its "flesh-eating" nickname because the infection it causes, vibriosis, can damage or destroy skin and underlying tissue. Florida records infections from the bacterium every year, typically resulting in a handful of deaths across the state.

As of July 30, Florida had recorded 12 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection so far this season, including one death in Palm Beach County, according to Florida Health data. That pace compares with a total of 33 cases and five deaths recorded statewide throughout all of 2025. Severe weather events involving significant flooding, including hurricanes Helene and Ian, have previously been associated with elevated rates of illness and death tied to the bacterium, since flooding can push contaminated water into new areas and increase human exposure.

Although infections remain rare, they can escalate rapidly into serious, life-threatening illness, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly one in five people........

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