Fourth Florida Death Linked to Flesh-eating Bacteria From Oysters
WHO:
Fox News - A fourth person in Florida has died after contracting flesh-eating bacteria.
Fox News - The deceased individual was from Broward County and was between the ages of 75 and 79.
Fox News - Previous deaths were attributed to residents of Bay, Palm Beach, and Marion counties.
WHAT:
Fox News - Florida has reported 21 cases of Vibrio vulnificus in 2026, with the latest fatality being a Broward County resident between 75 and 79 years old.
Fox News - In the last 10 years, Florida recorded 19 deaths and 82 cases in 2024, while 2022 saw 17 deaths and 74 cases.
Fox News - The Florida Department of Health's updated fatality count for Vibrio vulnificus now includes four deaths in 2026.
The Independent - Florida has recorded 21 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections in 2026, with the latest fatality being a Broward County resident between 75 and 79 years old.
The Independent - Florida has recorded 21 Vibrio vulnificus infections in 2026, including previous fatalities in Bay, Palm Beach, and Marion counties.
The Independent - A recent study indicated that individuals with pre-existing medical conditions were 80 times more likely to develop Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections than healthy individuals.
The Independent - Florida has recorded 21 Vibrio vulnificus infections in 2026, including previous fatalities in Bay, Palm Beach, and Marion counties.
The Independent - Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infections can include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever for those who ingest the bacteria.
The Independent - Severe wound infections can lead to symptoms such as fever, swelling, and discharge around the affected area, with serious bloodstream infections causing fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions.
Fox News - The death was included in the Florida Department of Health's updated fatality count for the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus.
Fox News - Florida has reported 21 cases of Vibrio vulnificus in 2026.
Fox News - Florida recorded 19 deaths and 82 cases in 2024, while 2022 saw 17 deaths and 74 cases.
Fox News - Health officials stated that bloodstream infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus are fatal about 50% of the time.
Fox News - A recent study indicated that individuals with pre-existing medical conditions were 80 times more likely to develop Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections than healthy individuals.
WHERE:
Fox News - The latest death occurred in Broward County, Florida, with previous fatalities reported in Bay, Palm Beach, and Marion counties.
The Independent - The latest death occurred in Broward County, Florida, with previous fatalities reported in Bay, Palm Beach, and Marion counties.
The Independent - Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium found in warm, brackish seawater.
Fox News - Louisiana has reported 15 cases and six deaths this year as of September 9, with fourteen of the cases attributed to wound or seawater exposure.
Fox News - The deaths occurred in Florida, specifically in Broward County, Bay County, Palm Beach County, and Marion County.
Fox News - Louisiana has reported 15 cases and six deaths this year as of September 9.
Fox News - Texas typically sees an average of 33 cases per year.
Fox News - Mississippi reported three cases as of August.
WHEN:
Fox News - The death count was updated on a Thursday.
Fox News - The Louisiana Department of Health reported cases as of September 9.
WHY:
Fox News - Health officials attribute the unusual increase in cases to impacts from hurricanes Helene and Ian, which create conditions for standing or floodwaters that pose a risk of exposure to the bacteria.
Fox News - The unusual increase in cases was attributed to impacts from hurricanes Helene and Ian, which cause standing or floodwaters that pose a risk of exposure to the bacteria.
HOW:
Fox News - Severe infections can cause symptoms including fever, chills, decreased blood pressure, also known as septic shock, and blistering skin lesions. In some cases, wound infections can lead to tissue damage requiring amputation.
The Independent - Severe infections can cause symptoms including fever, chills, decreased blood pressure, also known as septic shock, and blistering skin lesions. In some cases, wound infections can lead to tissue damage requiring amputation.
Fox News - Most people contract vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.
Fox News - Exposure can also occur when a person enters contaminated water with an open wound.
(UPDATED September 17, 2026 09:58 UTC)
Florida has reported 21 cases of Vibrio vulnificus in 2026, with the most recent fatality involving a resident from Broward County who was between 75 and 79 years old. Over the past decade, the state has seen 19 deaths and 82 cases in 2024, while 2022 recorded 17 deaths and 74 cases. Severe infections from this bacterium can lead to symptoms like fever, chills, and blistering skin lesions, and in some instances, wound infections may result in tissue damage that requires amputation.
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(UPDATED September 17, 2026 07:10 UTC)
The Florida Department of Health has reported an updated fatality count for Vibrio vulnificus, now including four deaths in 2026. This year, Florida has recorded 21 cases of infections, with the most recent fatality involving a Broward County resident aged between 75 and 79 years old. Health officials believe the rise in cases is linked to the effects of hurricanes Helene and Ian, which have created conditions that increase the risk of exposure to the bacteria through standing or floodwaters.
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(UPDATED September 17, 2026 04:00 UTC)
Florida has reported 21 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections in 2026, with fatalities occurring in Bay, Palm Beach, and Marion counties. A recent study found that individuals with pre-existing medical conditions are 80 times more likely to develop bloodstream infections from this bacterium, which thrives in warm, brackish seawater. Severe infections can lead to symptoms like fever, chills, and septic shock, and in some cases, wound infections may result in tissue damage that necessitates amputation.
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(UPDATED September 16, 2026 19:02 UTC)
Florida has reported 21 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections this year, with previous fatalities occurring in Bay, Palm Beach, and Marion counties. Symptoms for those who ingest the bacteria can include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Additionally, severe wound infections may result in fever, swelling, and discharge, while serious bloodstream infections can cause fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions.
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(UPDATED September 16, 2026 16:00 UTC)
Louisiana has reported a total of 15 cases of infections this year, with six of those resulting in deaths. As of September 9, fourteen of the cases have been linked to exposure from wounds or seawater. This information was shared during a segment on Fox News.
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(UPDATED September 16, 2026 13:07 UTC)
A fourth person in Florida has died after contracting flesh-eating bacteria, with the latest victim hailing from Broward County and falling within the age range of 75 to 79. This death is part of the updated fatality count for the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus, which has seen 21 reported cases in Florida this year, while previous years recorded 19 deaths in 2024 and 17 deaths in 2022. Health officials warn that bloodstream infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus are fatal about 50% of the time, particularly affecting individuals with pre-existing medical conditions who are significantly more at risk.