Map Shows Cases of Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infections Across US This Year
Summary
Several states including Florida, Alabama, Connecticut, and Mississippi have reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria known as "flesh-eating bacteria," in 2026. This infection is rare but can be very serious, and cases may be increasing due to warming ocean waters.Key Facts
- Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria that lives in warm coastal and brackish water.
- It can infect people through open wounds or by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, like oysters.
- At least four states have reported infections of this bacteria so far in 2026.
- Florida has the most reported cases and one death so far this year.
- The bacteria can cause severe illness, including flesh-eating infections and blood infections, with a death rate of about 20%.
- Many cases of Vibrio infections go unreported or undiagnosed.
- Rising ocean temperatures allow the bacteria to live in more areas, including farther north along the U.S. coast.
- People with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, or weakened immune systems are most at risk for severe infection.
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