Flesh eating bacteria kills 1 person in South Florida in 2025

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health has reported that one person died from a flesh-eating bacterium in South Florida.

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The one case and death were reported in Broward County. Three other deaths have also been reported in Manatee and Hillsborough Counties.

There have currently been 11 cases reported as of July 11, 2025.

According to FDOH, Vibrio vulnificusis a bacterium that normally lives in warm seawater and is part of a group of vibrios that are called “halophilic” because they require salt.

People can be infected with the bacterium when they eat raw shellfish, particularly oysters. The bacterium is frequently isolated from oysters and other shellfish in warm coastal waters during the summer months. People with open wounds can also be exposed to the bacterium through direct contact with seawater.

According to FDOH, the bacterium can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

To prevent infection:

• Do not eat raw oysters or other raw shellfish.

• Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly.

• For shellfish in the shell, either a) boil until the shells open and continue boiling for 5 more minutes, or b) steam until the shells open and then continue cooking for 9 more minutes. Do not eat those shellfish that do not open during cooking. Boil shucked oysters at least 3 minutes, or fry them in oil at least 10 minutes at 375°F.

• Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood.

• Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.

• Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, or to raw shellfish harvested from such waters.

• Wear protective clothing (e.g., gloves) when handling raw shellfish.

For more information about vibrio vulnificusis, click on this link.