Gulf Coast sees third fatal Vibrio case as Florida reports uptick in vibriosis

Florida health officials report a third death from Vibrio vulnificus infections in the past month, with 17 confirmed vibriosis cases across 12 counties. The flesh-eating bacteria live in warm coastal waters and can cause severe illness from seawater exposure or raw shellfish. Cases tend to spike after hurricanes that leave standing water; the latest fatality occurred in Bay County. Officials advise caution with open wounds and seafood and to seek prompt medical care for wound infections.