‘Flesh-Eating Bacteria’ Deaths Spread in 3 States: Here’s How to Protect Yourself

Every year, an average of 150 to 200 cases are reported across the United States, the CDC says.

A lone beachcomber and a pair of seagulls walk near dredging equipment on a blustery day at St. Augustine Beach along the Atlantic Coast of Florida, on Jan. 26, 2018. Gregg Newton /Reuters

At least 10 people have died in three states because of the potentially deadly bacteria Vibrio vulnificus as of Thursday, officials said.

For years, media outlets and some medical officials have described the organism as “flesh-eating” bacteria because some infections can lead to necrotizing fasciitis when the flesh around an open wound dies. Some people who develop a severe case require limb amputation, federal officials say.

Where Have Cases, Deaths Been Reported?

In Florida, the Department of Health has confirmed 16 cases and five deaths as of Thursday. Last week, the agency confirmed four deaths from the bacterial infection.

So far in 2025, Louisiana’s Department of Health has reported 17 hospitalizations from Vibrio vulnificus, with four resulting in deaths, according to an update on the agency’s website.

The Epoch Times has contacted the North Carolina Department of Health on reports that dozens of people have contracted the infection this year. A spokesperson for the agency told local media outlets this week that the state had seen 59 Vibrio vulnificus infections and one death from the bacteria as of July 31, 2025.

Every year, an average of 150 to 200 cases are reported across the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its website. Vibrio vulnificus bacteria are usually found along the Gulf Coast in the United States, although they can be found on the Atlantic coast in places such as North Carolina and Virginia, health officials say.

How Can You Contract It?

The Vibrio bacteria can spread to people by entering through open wounds that have been exposed to contaminated water or by consuming undercooked or raw shellfish, namely oysters, says the CDC.

The bacteria are usually found in greater numbers in coastal water or brackish water, which is where freshwater and saltwater meet, between the months of May and October, when water temperatures are warmer, according to the agency.

Louisiana’s health department said in its update that of the 17 cases in 2025, 75 percent reported seawater exposure to a wound.

However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, Vibrio vulnificus is considered rare, as only 100 to 200 cases are reported each year in the United States. Infections caused by other Vibrio species are more common, resulting in tens of thousands of cases per year.

The clinic says that specifically, the bacteria prefer to live in brackish water.

Who Is at Risk?

Individuals with certain medical conditions are more likely to develop a Vibrio vulnificus infection if they’re exposed to the organism, health officials say.

That includes people with liver diseases, chronic kidney failure, diabetes, and conditions that weaken the immune system. People whose jobs place them in contact with raw shellfish or the water in which they live are also more likely to be exposed to the bacteria, according to the clinic.

The CDC says that people with HIV, cancer, or thalassemia are also more susceptible to contracting the illness. People receiving immune-suppressing therapy for a disease, taking medicine to decrease stomach acid levels, or who have had a recent stomach surgery are also susceptible, it says.

What Are the Symptoms?

The CDC says that people who contract Vibrio vulnificus can become quickly and seriously ill, potentially requiring intensive care or the amputation of a limb. Meanwhile, around one in five who contract the disease die, even within a few days of becoming sick.

Symptoms of a Vibrio wound infection can include fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, or discharge. Signs of a bloodstream infection can include chills, fever, low blood pressure, and blistering lesions on the skin, says the Louisiana Health Department.

How to Prevent It?

Officials say that preventions include staying out of brackish or salt water if the person has a wound, such as a cut or scrape, or covering the wound with a waterproof bandage before entering the water. The same advice applies if a wound could come into contact with raw seafood or shellfish.

If a person has been exposed, they’re advised to thoroughly wash the cut or scrape with soap and water. People who have developed a skin infection after coming into contact with salt or brackish water or raw seafood or shellfish should inform a medical provider, officials say.

The Cleveland Clinic also says that people shouldn’t consume raw or undercooked shellfish, namely oysters, and that they should wash their hands thoroughly after handling or preparing raw shellfish—or wear gloves during the process.

It notes that people who have had a recent piercing or tattoo should avoid contact with salt or brackish water.