Four people in Florida have died this year after contracting Vibrio vulnificus. Though rare, infections can require intensive care or limb amputation

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.

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.