Three people have died in Florida this year after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, commonly known as a “flesh-eating” bacteria, including one person in Palm Beach County, according to data from the Florida Department of Health.
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The bacterium can cause serious wound infections that, in some cases, can lead to death.
So far, Florida has confirmed 17 cases in 2026, five of them in South Florida.
Official Department of Health tables show two cases in Miami-Dade County, one in Broward, and two in Palm Beach.
According to the data, the other two deaths were recorded in Bay and Marion counties.
Cases of Vibrio vulnificus in 2026
Cases in South Florida and counties where deaths have been reported
| County | Cases | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | 2 | 0 |
| Broward | 1 | 0 |
| Palm Beach | 2 | 1 |
| Bay | 2 | 1 |
| Marion | 2 | 1 |
| Total in Florida | 17 | 3 |
Note: The table shows Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, along with the other Florida counties where deaths have been reported. The total reflects the entire state.
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Source: Florida Department of Health. Data updated as of 8:30 a.m. ET on Aug. 20, 2026.
What is the “flesh-eating” bacteria?
Most people get vibriosis from eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters. Some people get vibriosis after an open wound comes into contact with coastal waters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What are the symptoms?
General infection
- Watery diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
Bloodstream infection
- Fever
- Chills
- Dangerously low blood pressure
- Blistering skin lesions
Wound infection
- Fever
- Redness
- Pain
- Swelling
- Warmth in the affected area
- Skin discoloration (darker or different than normal)
- Fluid draining from the wound
To see more official information from the Florida Department of Health, click here.
Portions of this story were translated from Spanish with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An NBC 6 editor reviewed the translation.
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