'Flesh-eating' bacteria deaths climb in Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina

Deaths linked to the dangerous “flesh-eating” bacteria Vibrio vulnificus are increasing along the southeastern coastal regions of the United States, with recent cases raising concerns among health officials and scientists. According to a report by NBC News, at least 11 deaths have occurred so far this year in Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina from infections that cause necrotizing fasciitis — a severe and rapidly progressing tissue infection that can destroy skin, muscle, and other soft tissues.

Florida has reported 16 cases in 2025 alone, scattered across its extensive coastline from Bay County in the Panhandle to Broward County in Southeast Florida, including Tampa’s Hillsborough County and St. Johns County near Jacksonville. Louisiana, facing an uptick beyond its usual annual numbers, has recorded 17 cases, while North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services confirmed seven cases, including one fatality in the Outer Banks region. Mississippi has also reported three cases this year.

The bacterium Vibrio vulnificus thrives in warm seawater and can infect humans through open wounds exposed to contaminated water. The infection can cause necrotizing fasciitis — often referred to as “flesh-eating disease” — a life-threatening condition characterized by rapid tissue destruction. It can also enter the body through the consumption of contaminated raw seafood, particularly oysters, though it remains unclear how the recent victims contracted the infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that approximately 20% of people infected with Vibrio vulnificus die from the disease, underscoring its severity. Dr. Antarpreet Jutla, an engineering professor at the University of Florida, told NBC News that while infections remain relatively rare, the number of cases this year is unusually high and suggests “something is off.”

“This is certainly not normal, that’s one thing,” Jutla said. “We haven’t had that many cases early on in the summer for a very long time.”

Experts point to the connection between Vibrio infections and extreme weather events, particularly hurricanes. Florida experienced 82 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections last year, potentially fueled by the “extremely active” hurricane season in 2024, which allowed the bacteria to persist in floodwaters. With this year’s hurricane season predicted to be above average again, scientists like Jutla are closely monitoring environmental indicators such as plankton and chlorophyll concentrations — both linked to Vibrio presence — particularly in Florida’s Panhandle.

“Something happened this year that triggered the pathogens a little bit more than before,” Jutla explained.

Vibrio vulnificus is part of a larger group of over 200 Vibrio species. Most of these species cause no harm to humans, but some, including Vibrio vulnificus, can lead to serious infections. Other Vibrio species like Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus commonly cause gastrointestinal illnesses, while Vibrio cholerae is the pathogen responsible for cholera.

Due to its preference for warmer waters, Vibrio vulnificus is primarily found along the southeastern U.S. coasts, but with rising ocean temperatures, cases have begun to emerge farther north, including in New York, Connecticut, and Maryland.

With climate change warming coastal waters and intensifying storms, the risk of Vibrio infections is increasing, prompting health officials to warn the public to exercise caution when swimming in warm seawater, especially with open wounds, and to be vigilant about seafood consumption.

NBC News reported on this growing health threat earlier this month, highlighting the importance of awareness and early medical intervention to combat this potentially deadly infection.