Trending Now - Flesh-eating Bacteria Outbreaks Anticipated Along U.S. Coastlines
WHO:
WKRC - A 74-year-old patient required an above-the-knee amputation after contracting Vibrio vulnificus while swimming in the Gulf Coast.
WKRC - Five patients diagnosed with Vibriosis from the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus in Florida.
Yahoo - The Florida Department of Health reported a rare infection in Miami-Dade County.
WHAT:
Yahoo - This year’s cases of Vibrio vulnificus have already surpassed the three cases counted by this time in 2025, with five confirmed cases reported in 2026.
Yahoo - A record-breaking 82 cases of Vibrio vulnificus were confirmed in 2024, leading to 36 deaths in Florida from 2022 to 2024.
WKRC - Five cases of flesh-eating bacteria confirmed in Florida since the beginning of 2026.
WKRC - One patient, a 74-year-old, required an above-the-knee amputation to survive after contracting the bacteria.
Yahoo - This year’s cases of Vibrio vulnificus already outstrip the three cases counted by this time in 2025.
Yahoo - More than 150 V. vulnificus infections are reported to the CDC every year, with approximately 20% being fatal.
Yahoo - A record-breaking 82 cases were confirmed in 2024, leading to 36 deaths in Florida from 2022 to 2024.
WHERE:
WKRC - Cases occurred in five separate counties in Florida.
Yahoo - Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Lee, Palm Beach, and St. Johns counties reported cases.
WHEN:
Yahoo - The active season for Vibrio vulnificus is from June to September.
WKRC - The cases were confirmed since the beginning of 2026.
Yahoo - The active season for Vibrio vulnificus is from June to September.
Yahoo - A rare infection was found in Miami-Dade County in the latter half of April.
WHY:
Yahoo - Experts expect the abundance and geographic range of Vibrio vulnificus to increase due to climate change factors, including rising water temperatures and storm surges.
WKRC - Health officials anticipate an increase in cases during the summer when water temperatures are warmer.
Yahoo - The bacterium is caused by a naturally occurring organism in brackish, warming water.
HOW:
WKRC - The bacteria can infect swimmers with open wounds or recent tattoos/piercings.
WKRC - The bacteria is typically contracted by eating raw or undercooked shellfish or through open wounds.
Yahoo - Experts expect the abundance and geographic range of V. vulnificus to increase due to climate change factors, including rising water temperatures and storm surges.
(UPDATED May 31, 2026 06:19 UTC)
A 74-year-old patient has undergone an above-the-knee amputation after contracting Vibrio vulnificus while swimming in the Gulf Coast. This year, five confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus have already been reported, surpassing the three cases noted by this time in 2025, and experts warn that the active season for this bacteria runs from June to September. With climate change contributing to rising water temperatures and storm surges, the abundance and geographic range of Vibrio vulnificus are expected to increase, posing a greater risk to swimmers, especially those with open wounds or recent tattoos and piercings.
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(UPDATED May 31, 2026 04:19 UTC)
In Florida, five patients have been diagnosed with Vibriosis caused by the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, with one patient, a 74-year-old, requiring an above-the-knee amputation to survive. Health officials are concerned as this year's cases already surpass the three reported by this time last year, and the active season for this bacteria typically runs from June to September. Experts warn that the abundance and geographic range of V. vulnificus may increase due to climate change, particularly as warmer water temperatures create favorable conditions for the bacteria.