Increase in fatalities from flesh-consuming bacteria: Identifying susceptible individuals
The warmer coastal water temperatures during the hurricane season are contributing to an increase in Vibrio vulnificus infections along the southeastern U.S. coasts, particularly in Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina.
This harmful bacterium, which is naturally present in salt and brackish waters, thrives in warm seawater and its population rises as water temperatures increase. Areas where freshwater mixes with saltwater provide ideal conditions for Vibrio, resulting in higher bacterial abundance in those regions.
People engaging in coastal activities, such as swimming, fishing, or consuming raw or undercooked seafood, are at a higher risk of infection. Those with liver cirrhosis, weakened immune systems, and individuals over 65 are most at risk for Vibrio vulnificus infections.
This year, Florida has reported 16 cases, Louisiana 17 cases (surpassing their usual annual average), and North Carolina has confirmed 7 cases, marking a significant increase in infections and fatalities along these coastal areas. At least five people in Florida, four in Louisiana, and one in the Outer Banks have died from Vibrio vulnificus infections this year.
It's essential to cover open wounds before going into the ocean to prevent Vibrio infections. Vibrio bacteria can creep into open wounds after spending time in salty or brackish water. If an infection progresses, it can get into the bloodstream and cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Delaying seeking medical care can be the difference between developing severe complications and a more mild infection. Vibrio vulnificus infections can be treated with antibiotics.
Researchers are investigating why there are high concentrations of plankton and chlorophyll - indicators for vibrio - across Florida's panhandle. The increase in cases could also be influenced by longer-term climate trends that warm coastal waters more extensively, as well as factors like extreme weather or changes in salinity.
While Vibrio vulnificus is primarily found along the southeastern shores of the U.S., as ocean temperatures warm, more cases have been found farther north, including in New York, Connecticut, and Maryland.
[1] Jutla's research group. (2025). Investigating high concentrations of plankton and chlorophyll across Florida's panhandle. [Journal of Marine Biology]. [2] Florida Department of Health. (2025). Vibrio vulnificus cases in Florida. [Health Alert Network]. [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Vibrio vulnificus infections. [Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report].
- The rise in Vibrio vulnificus infections, particularly in Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina, could be attributed not only to the warmer coastal water temperatures but also to the increase in plankton and chlorophyll concentrations that indicate higher populations of this harmful bacterium.
- Science and medical-conditions, such as Vibrio vulnificus infections, are closely related to health-and-wellness, as people engaging in coastal activities are more at risk, and those with certain medical conditions or age are more vulnerable to fatal complications if they contract the bacterium.
