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Florida Reports Cases of Rare Flesh-Eating Bacteria: Safety Measures to Take
Rare, flesh-eating bacteria found in Miami-Dade. How can you protect yourself?
Miami Herald
Image: Miami Herald
In 2026, five cases of the rare flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus have been confirmed in Florida, including one in Miami-Dade County. The bacteria can cause severe infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Health officials recommend several precautions to reduce the risk of infection.
- 01Vibrio vulnificus is typically found in warm, brackish seawater and can infect individuals through consumption of raw shellfish or contact with open wounds.
- 02In 2025, Florida reported 33 cases of Vibrio vulnificus, resulting in five deaths.
- 03Symptoms of infection include watery diarrhea, fever, chills, and in severe cases, skin lesions and tissue damage.
- 04To reduce risk, avoid raw shellfish, keep wounds away from warm seawater, and ensure thorough cooking of seafood.
- 05Immediate antibiotic treatment is crucial for infections, and severe cases may require amputation.
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Health officials in Florida have confirmed five cases of the rare flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus in 2026, with one case reported in Miami-Dade County. This bacterium, often found in warm, brackish seawater, poses a significant risk, particularly to individuals with weakened immune systems. In 2025, the state recorded 33 cases, including five fatalities. Symptoms of infection can vary, presenting as mild gastrointestinal issues or severe skin infections that may lead to serious complications such as tissue damage or amputation. To mitigate the risk of contracting Vibrio vulnificus, health officials recommend avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish, keeping open wounds away from seawater, and ensuring seafood is cooked thoroughly. Immediate medical attention is necessary for infections, with antibiotic treatment being critical to prevent severe outcomes. As the summer approaches, awareness and preventive measures are essential to protect public health.
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The presence of Vibrio vulnificus in Miami-Dade County raises health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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