The number of deaths caused by the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus 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 collected by the agency EFE.
Florida matches the total number of deaths from the entire previous year
The Florida Department of Health updated its figures on September 24, reporting 23 confirmed cases and five deaths in 2026.
The figure already matches the total number of deaths for 2025, when the state reported 33 infections and five deaths.
The fifth victim in Florida so far this year has been identified in Pinellas County, in the Tampa Bay area.
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.
In 2024, Florida reached 82 cases and 19 deaths, figures much higher than the current ones. The increase was recorded after hurricanes Helene and Milton, when exposure to flood waters rose.
Louisiana significantly exceeds its historical average
Louisiana is the state with the most severe balance in 2026: 19 infections and seven deaths, according to the updated state report as of September 23.
Of those 19 infections, 17 occurred due to exposure of open wounds to seawater, and two by another means.
The figure greatly exceeds the state's historical average.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health itself, around ten cases and one death per year were recorded in the last decade.
In 2026, that threshold was surpassed weeks ago.
The warning from Louisiana health authorities is clear: “About one in five people with an infection from Vibrio vulnificus dies, sometimes a day or two after falling ill.”
Other southern states also report cases
Mississippi reports three cases of Vibrio vulnificus among a total of 29 infections caused by bacteria of the Vibrio genus, with no fatalities reported so far.
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 and brackish coastal waters, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico.
The infection can occur by immersing an open wound in contaminated water or by consuming raw seafood, particularly oysters.
It is not transmitted between people.
Symptoms include skin lesions with blisters, fever, chills, and low blood pressure.
In the most severe cases, it can lead to the destruction of soft tissues, sepsis, and amputations.
People with liver diseases, diabetes, or weakened immune systems face a higher risk of developing severe cases.
Health authorities in all affected states emphasize two basic measures: avoid entering the sea with open wounds and do not consume raw shellfish.
The risk remains high until October, when the waters start to cool and the bacteria lose activity.
Related videos:
Filed under: