Vibrio vulnificus deaths in Florida

The Florida Department of Health has reported that 13 individuals have perished as a consequence of infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus, a rare bacterium that has the potential to result in the development of fasciitis necrosis. This condition is typified by the deterioration of tissue in the region surrounding open wounds, a phenomenon that has led to the colloquial designation of the bacterium as “carnivorous bacteria”. The concentration of Vibrio vulnificus has been observed to increase in response to the heavy rainfall and flooding that affected Florida in late September 2024. This bacterium can cause infections when it penetrates traumatised epithelial surfaces, open wounds, cuts, burns, sores and other skin lesions through direct contact with seawater or brackish water containing it. Infection is fatal in 25% of cases, but can be as high as 50% if not treated promptly. As stated by the relevant health authorities, the recent peak in cases – with 74 infections of Vibrio vulnificus reported in 2024, compared to 46 cases with 11 deaths reported the previous year – can be attributed to the warming of the seas in recent years.