Florida Reports 5 Deaths Linked to Flesh-Eating Bacteria

Tourists and locals play in the surf and sand in Clearwater Beach, Fla., on July 2, 2023. Nanette Holt/The Epoch Times

At least five people have died in Florida since the beginning of the year due to a flesh-eating bacteria—called Vibrio vulnificus—which can be found in brackish water and raw seafood like oysters.

The death cases were reported in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, and Sarasota counties, according to data released by Florida Health. There have been 26 confirmed cases in Florida since January.