Florida health officials have confirmed 23 Vibrio vulnificus infections and five deaths statewide in 2026. The deaths were reported in Bay, Broward, Marion, Palm Beach and Pinellas counties. Santa Rosa County recorded the most cases with three and no deaths, while Bay, Broward, Marion, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Polk counties each reported two. Notably, Sarasota and Manatee counties had no cases or deaths listed in the state report.
Vibrio vulnificus occurs naturally in warm coastal waters, which makes the Gulf a seasonal concern rather than a year-round one. Infections typically happen when an open wound is exposed to warm saltwater or brackish water, or when someone eats raw or undercooked oysters. People with liver disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness. Simple precautions go a long way: cover cuts with waterproof bandages before swimming, rinse off with fresh water afterward, and check with a doctor if a wound starts looking worse.
The broader trend is encouraging. Florida logged 82 cases and 19 deaths in 2024, then 33 cases and five deaths in 2025. This year’s 23 cases continue that decline. State data does not include details on victims, exposure sources, or report dates, so it’s hard to know exactly what’s driving the drop. Either way, the guidance for beachgoers stays the same. Do you check for open cuts before you get in the Gulf? Tell us on our Facebook page.
