The number of deaths caused by the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria in the southern United States has risen to 12 so far in 2026, following the confirmation of new fatalities in Florida and Louisiana, according to the latest data from the health departments of both states reported by the agency EFE.
Florida matches the total deaths of the entire previous year
The Florida Department of Health updated its figures on September 24, reporting 23 confirmed cases and five deaths in 2026.
It is a figure that already matches the total number of deaths for all of 2025, when the state reported 33 infections and five deaths
The fifth victim in Florida this year has been identified in Pinellas County, in Tampa Bay.
The previous four were distributed among the counties of Palm Beach, Marion, Bay, and Broward, the latter being in the Miami metropolitan area.
The fourth death in Florida was confirmed on September 16 in Broward County.
On that same date, a case emerged involving a 74-year-old man from St. Johns County who had to have his leg amputated above the knee after coming into contact with seawater through a wound.
The contrast with 2024 is striking: that year, the worst in recent memory, Florida recorded 82 cases and 19 deaths, a figure that health authorities directly attributed to exposure to floodwaters after hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Louisiana far exceeds its historical average
Louisiana is the state with the most severe balance in 2026: 19 infections and seven fatalities, according to the state update as of September 23.
Out of those 19 infections, 17 occurred due to exposure of open wounds to seawater, and two were contracted through another route.
The figure far exceeds the state's historical average.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, there were about ten cases and one death reported each year over the last decade.
In 2026, that threshold was exceeded weeks ago.
The warning from health authorities in Louisiana is clear: “Nearly one in five people with a Vibrio vulnificus infection dies, sometimes within a day or two of falling ill.”
Other southern states are also reporting cases
Mississippi has reported three cases of Vibrio vulnificus among a total of 29 infections caused by bacteria of the Vibrio genus, with no fatalities at this time.
Alabama has reported a total of 16 cases of vibriosis, including one death, the causative species of which has not been specified by the authorities.
What is bacteria and how to protect yourself?
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that naturally inhabits warm, brackish coastal waters, especially in the Gulf of Mexico.
Infection can occur by immersing an open wound in contaminated water or by consuming raw shellfish, particularly oysters.
It is not transmitted between people.
The symptoms include skin lesions with blisters, fever, chills, and low blood pressure.
In the most severe cases, it can lead to soft tissue destruction, sepsis, and amputations.
People with liver diseases, diabetes, or weakened immune systems face a higher risk of developing severe conditions.
Health authorities from all affected states emphasize two basic measures: avoid entering the sea with open wounds and refrain from consuming raw shellfish.
The risk remains elevated until October, when the waters begin to cool and the bacteria lose their activity.
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