Understanding Vibrio Vulnificus: What You Should Know About Flesh-Eating Bacteria
9/15/2025
September 15, 2025 (Milton, FL) – So far this year, 25 cases of Vibrio Vulnificus -- a bacteria sometimes referred to as "flesh-eating bacteria" -- have been reported in Florida, including five in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties. Santa Rosa Medical Center is sharing information on this bacteria to help area residents understand their risk, ways to prevent infection, and when to seek help.
Charles Windfelder, DMSc, a primary care provider for Santa Rosa Medical Group Navarre who frequently spends weekends at the beach with his family, shared his perspective: “The Gulf Coast lifestyle is built around the water, and we shouldn’t be afraid of it. The important thing is to use common sense - cover wounds, cook shellfish thoroughly, and pay attention to your health. That way, we can all keep enjoying the activities we love without unnecessary worry.”
How Vibrio Infections Happen
Infections typically develop in one of two ways:
- When open wounds are exposed to seawater containing the bacteria
- From eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters
For most healthy individuals, illness caused by vibrio is mild, with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. However, those with compromised immune systems face greater risks. In these cases, the infection can become life-threatening if it enters the bloodstream, leading to fever, chills, blistering skin lesions, septic shock, and in about half of cases, death.
Prevention Is the Best Protection
There are simple, effective steps you can take to reduce the risk of infection:
- Avoid swimming or wading in warm saltwater or brackish water if you have any open wounds.
- Refrain from eating raw oysters or other shellfish.
- Follow the “R” rule: avoid raw oysters in months without an “R” (May through August). Keep in mind that vibrio may still be present in warm waters during spring and fall.
- Wear protective gloves or clothing when handling raw shellfish or when entering saltwater environments where cuts or scrapes are possible.
When to Seek Care
If you have recently been in warm saltwater or eaten raw shellfish and develop symptoms such as fever, chills, vomiting, severe diarrhea, blistering skin lesions, or rapidly worsening pain and swelling around a wound, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment is critical to preventing complications.
While rare, vibrio infections can be serious. The best way to stay safe is through awareness and prevention. Our goal is to keep our community informed so that everyone can continue to enjoy our beaches and natural waterways with confidence and peace of mind.
For more information on Vibrio infection or prevention, visit the CDC website.
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