Florida sees surge in deadly Vibrio vulnificus infections, U.S. deaths hit double digits

Florida has seen a sharp rise in infections caused by the flesh‑eating bacterium Vibrio vulnificus, pushing the U.S. death toll from the bug into double‑digit numbers. The latest fatality, the fourth person in the state, was linked to eating raw oysters harvested from Gulf waters. Health officials say the bacteria thrive in warm coastal water, and recent summer temperatures have created ideal conditions for its spread. Cases have also been confirmed in South Carolina, where doctors warned swimmers and seafood lovers about the heightened risk. So far this season, nine people have died across the United States after contracting the infection, according to a compilation of reports from local news outlets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises anyone with open cuts or weakened immune systems to avoid raw shellfish and to wash any wounds exposed to seawater promptly. Hospitals in the affected regions are on alert, with doctors noting that early antibiotic treatment can improve survival rates, but the disease can progress rapidly, leading to severe tissue damage. Public health agencies are urging the public to stay informed about beach water quality alerts and to seek medical help immediately if flu‑like symptoms appear after seafood consumption or water exposure. The rise in cases underscores the need for better monitoring of coastal water temperatures and more aggressive public awareness campaigns about Vibrio risks.