Florida records first death and 12 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection in 2026

Florida health officials reported the state’s first death this year from a Vibrio vulnificus infection, a bacterium that can cause severe illness after exposure to warm coastal waters or contaminated seafood. The patient, an elderly resident aged between 80 and 84, died in Palm Beach County. In total, 12 cases have been confirmed in 2026, with additional reports from Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties and eight other counties including Bay, Hillsborough, Lee, Marion, Okaloosa, Polk and St. Johns.

The numbers follow five deaths and 33 confirmed infections reported last year, and a larger outbreak in 2024 that saw 82 cases and 19 deaths. Health officials previously linked a spike in infections to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which may have increased exposure to contaminated water.

Vibrio vulnificus thrives in warm, brackish water and is most common from May through October. Infection can occur through consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, or through cuts and wounds that come into contact with contaminated water. The CDC estimates about 80,000 Vibriosis cases annually in the United States, with a roughly 20% fatality rate for severe infections.

"Early symptoms can include fever, chills, and worsening skin infections, while more severe cases may lead to septic shock and painful, blistering skin lesions," the Florida Department of Health warned.

The agency advises people, particularly older adults and those with underlying health conditions, to avoid exposing open wounds to warm coastal waters and to handle or eat raw shellfish with caution during the summer months.