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Map Shows Cases of Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infections Across US This Year
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. At least four states have publicly reported cases of vibriosis or Vibrio vulnificus , the potentially deadly bacterium often referred to as " flesh-eating bacteria ," so far in 2026, according to state and local health agencies.
Cases have been reported in Florida , Alabama , Connecticut and Mississippi this year, though the figure is likely a significant undercount of total infections nationwide because not all cases are diagnosed, tested or publicly reported.
According to a CDC -backed study, for every reported case of vibriosis, more than 140 infections may go undiagnosed.
While relatively uncommon, Vibrio vulnificus infections can be severe. CDC surveillance data recorded 727 Vibrio vulnificus cases nationwide over the last five years, with 87 percent of patients hospitalized and about 20 percent dying from the infection. Florida accounted for the largest number of reported cases during that period.
Florida has recorded the largest publicly reported number of Vibrio vulnificus infections so far this year. State health data showed 12 confirmed cases and one death as of late July, with infections reported in Bay, Hillsborough, Lee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Okaloosa, Palm Beach, Polk and St. Johns counties.
In Alabama, the Mobile County Health Department announced the county's first vibriosis case of 2026 in April, though officials did not specify which Vibrio species was involved.
Connecticut health officials reported a Vibrio vulnificus infection in February linked to oysters harvested outside the state.
Meanwhile, the Mississippi State Department of Health's surveillance page shows seven Vibrio infections reported statewide in 2026 as of July, including one case caused by Vibrio vulnificus and no deaths.
William Schaffner, professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told Newsweek that Vibrio vulnificus infections have become more common in recent years as ocean temperatures rise.
"Global warming has expanded the habitat of this bacteria which flourishes in brackish water where the salt water of the ocean mixes with fresh water," Schaffner told Newsweek .
"The bacteria thrives in warmer waters, so as the ocean has warmed, the bacteria has expanded from its traditional location along the Gulf coast to along the Atlantic seaboard, creeping up as far as New England."
Schaffner's comments align with concerns from researchers and health officials that warming coastal waters are creating more favorable conditions for Vibrio bacteria along parts of the U.S. coastline.
Vibrio vulnificus naturally occurs in warm coastal and brackish waters and can infect people through open wounds exposed to contaminated water or through the consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.
Schaffner said wound infections can be especially dangerous because the bacteria may spread rapidly beneath the skin.
"Once there, it can fester and spread under the skin, destroying muscle, so-called 'flesh eating' illness," he said.
"This serious illness can be deceptive because it spreads under the skin, so the skin surface may not show much redness or swelling. The most prominent symptom often is unexplained serious pain."
The Florida Department of Health warns that severe infections can enter the bloodstream, leading to septic shock, blistering skin lesions and other life-threatening complications. About one in five people infected with Vibrio vulnificus die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill.
Health officials say anyone can become infected, but the most severe illnesses tend to occur in people with chronic liver disease, cancer, diabetes, weakened immune systems or other serious health conditions.
Schaffner noted that vulnerable people should avoid eating raw oysters because the bacteria can contaminate shellfish and enter the bloodstream.
"In such super-susceptible people [it can] get into their bloodstream, causing life-threatening sepsis," he said.
The CDC and state health agencies recommend avoiding exposure of open wounds to saltwater or brackish water, thoroughly washing cuts exposed to coastal waters, and avoiding raw or undercooked oysters.
"The best ways to avoid this infection is to stay out of the water if you have any breaks in the skin, to shower thoroughly if you have been in the water and to seek medical care if you have unexplained pain under the skin or if a wound looks red, swollen or tender," Schaffner said. "A little prudent prevention can help assure a happy beach holiday."
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Matthew Robinson and Emma Lee-Sang
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