Fatal Outbreak: Flesh-Eating Bacteria Claims Lives in Tampa Bay

Five deaths have been reported in the Tampa Bay area due to a flesh-eating bacterium known as Vibrio vulnificus, which thrives in warm, brackish seawater. Health officials advise individuals with open wounds, cuts, or scrapes to avoid contact with the water. Since January, there have been 26 reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida, with 17 deaths in 2022. The bacterium can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection that leads to the death of flesh around an open wound. It can also cause life-threatening illness if it invades the bloodstream. Precautions include seeking medical attention if experiencing symptoms and avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish.