Case tracker: Here is where flesh-eating bacteria cases have been reported in the US - FOX Weather

What the report says

Fox Weather reported that Florida health officials have confirmed the state’s first 2026 death linked to Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacterium sometimes described as “flesh-eating.” The death was reported in Palm Beach County and, according to the outlet, is the first Vibrio-related fatality reported in the United States so far this year. Florida has also confirmed 11 additional cases, though the state health department had not listed when the Palm Beach County death occurred.

The report said Vibrio infections have also been identified in other states. Mobile County, Alabama, confirmed its first vibriosis case of the year on April 24. In Connecticut, the state public health commissioner told FOX61 that a person developed a Vibrio vulnificus infection in February after eating contaminated oysters harvested outside the state.

Citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fox Weather noted that Vibrio bacteria are found in warm coastal waters. Infections can occur when saltwater or brackish water enters an open wound, or when a person eats contaminated raw shellfish, including oysters. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal illness, fever, low blood pressure and blistering skin lesions.

The CDC estimates that tens of thousands of vibriosis cases occur in the U.S. each year, but Vibrio vulnificus is among the more severe species. Health officials say it can cause rapidly damaging soft-tissue infections, and the CDC says about one in five people with this infection die. The cases matter as warmer coastal waters and summer beach activity can increase potential exposure risks for swimmers, seafood consumers and people with open cuts or weakened immune systems.