International-News

Second Florida Death Reported From Vibrio vulnificus Infection

A Marion County resident has died after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, bringing Florida’s reported death toll from the potentially fatal bacterial infection to two this year

Second Florida death reported from Vibrio vulnificus infection as health authorities confirm another fatal case involving the rare and potentially life-threatening bacterium.

The Florida Department of Health said a resident of Marion County died after contracting the infection. According to Florida Today, the victim was between 60 and 64 years old.

Vibrio vulnificus occurs naturally in coastal waters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most infections are linked to eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. The bacterium can also cause an infection when seawater comes into contact with an open wound, a recent tattoo or a recent piercing.

The latest death follows the first fatal case reported in Florida in June, in Palm Beach County in the southwestern part of the state. According to a subsequent update from Florida Today, that victim was between 10 and 14 years old.

The Florida Department of Health has reported at least 14 Vibrio vulnificus infections in the state this year.

In severe cases, the bacterium can enter the bloodstream and cause a potentially fatal infection. The Florida Department of Health lists symptoms including fever, chills, low blood pressure and skin lesions with blisters. Infection resulting from ingestion can also cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Health officials say otherwise healthy people who contract Vibrio vulnificus generally develop a mild illness. The infection can become considerably more dangerous, however, for people with weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease.

Florida health authorities recommend avoiding raw oysters and other uncooked shellfish. Oysters, clams and mussels should be thoroughly cooked before consumption to reduce the risk of infection.

THE LATEST NEWS

International-News

Rutte Dismisses Nuclear Escalation Fears, Says Russia Cannot Defeat NATO

30 September 2026

The NATO secretary general says there is no imminent threat to alliance territory, argues Moscow's nuclear rhetoric should not alter...

Rutte Dismisses Nuclear Escalation Fears, Says Russia Cannot Defeat NATO

International-News

Police Hunt Suspect After Three Workers Shot at Virginia Rental Company

30 September 2026

Three United Rentals employees suffered potentially life-threatening injuries after a colleague allegedly opened fire at the company's Manassas facility before...