The Florida Department of Health is reporting that there have been deaths in Bay, Broward, St. Johns and Hillsborough counties in 2025. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Florida health officials are warning residents after a flesh-eating bacteria has already killed four people, including one in the Tampa Bay area.

The rare microbial menace can be contracted by swimming in coastal water or eating raw shellfish, and Florida saw a severe spike in cases last year.

Vibrio vulnificus infections are rare, but about 20% of cases in the U.S. are deadly. Doctors explain the cause and symptoms.