Surge in Vibrio Vulnificus Cases Reported Across Florida

WHO:

Yahoo - Florida Department of Health reported 22 cases and four deaths from Vibrio vulnificus infections.

Yahoo - Victim in Santa Rosa County described as being between 25 and 29 years old.

Pensacola News Journal - Genevieve Gallagher of Pensacola lost her left leg below the knee from an infection last year.

WHAT:

Yahoo - Total of 22 cases and four deaths from Vibrio vulnificus infections reported in Florida in 2026.

Yahoo - Florida recorded 33 cases and five deaths from Vibrio vulnificus in 2025.

Yahoo - Louisiana reported 17 cases and six deaths as of Sept. 16, with 16 cases from wound/seawater exposure.

Yahoo - Mobile County Health Department reported 11 cases of vibriosis as of Sept. 12.

Yahoo - Mississippi Department of Health reported three cases as of August.

Yahoo - South Carolina Department of Public Health reported three cases and one related death this year.

Yahoo - About 1 in 5 people who develop the infection die, according to the CDC.

WHERE:

Yahoo - Cases reported in Bay, Broward, Marion, and Palm Beach counties in Florida.

Yahoo - Cases reported in Bay County, Brevard County, Broward County, Duval County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Marion County, Miami-Dade County, Okaloosa County, Palm Beach County, Polk County, Santa Rosa County, and St. Johns County in Florida.

Yahoo - Louisiana, Mobile County, Mississippi, and Texas also reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus.

WHEN:

Yahoo - Health department data updated on Sept. 17, 2026.

Yahoo - Confirmed case in Santa Rosa County as of the period ending Sept. 12, 2026.

Yahoo - Peak season for Vibrio vulnificus infection is between May and October.

WHY:

Yahoo - Vibrio vulnificus infections can occur when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water or by eating raw oysters.

HOW:

Yahoo - Infections can result from exposing open wounds to brackish water or consuming raw or undercooked oysters.

Yahoo - Health officials advise keeping open wounds out of brackish water and washing exposed skin with soap and running water after exposure.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 16:04 UTC)

In Florida, health officials have reported a concerning total of 22 cases and four deaths from Vibrio vulnificus infections this year, with victims spanning several counties including Bay, Broward, and Santa Rosa. One victim from Santa Rosa County, described as being between 25 and 29 years old, highlights the serious risks associated with this infection, which can occur through exposure to contaminated water or by eating raw oysters. The peak season for these infections typically runs from May to October, prompting health officials to urge the public to keep open wounds away from brackish water and to wash exposed skin thoroughly after any potential exposure.