
Florida reports another Vibrio death as cases rise in 2026
A Marion County resident died after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, Florida’s second death in 2026 and part of 14 confirmed cases this year. The bacterium thrives in warm coastal and brackish waters and can infect via eating raw or undercooked shellfish (especially oysters) or through open wounds exposed to contaminated water, potentially causing septic shock or skin lesions. Health officials advise avoiding raw shellfish, cooking seafood thoroughly, and keeping wounds away from coastal or floodwater, seeking medical care promptly if infection signs appear.













