Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls,Vibrio on August 6, 2026
Health officials report a second Vibrio death in Florida. Not long after the first death was reported in another county. Health officials are monitoring the situation during this peak Vibrio season.
How do you get Vibrio, why is it so deadly, and where are these cases happening? Follow along for the answers to these frequently asked questions and more!
Florida Health has reported 14 illnesses in 2026. The latest report makes the second Vibrio death in Florida.
The first Vibrio death in Florida was reported in Palm Beach County. Two cases were reported in that county. Prior to that, there were two cases, both resulting in death in 2024.
The second Vibrio death in Florida was reported in Marion County. There have been two cases reported in that county as well. However, no cases had been reported since before 2024.
Other counties include Bay, Brevard, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, Okaloosa, Polk, and St. Johns counties.
Last year, Florida Health reported a total of 33 cases and five Vibrio-related deaths.
Hurricane Helene impacted 2024 Vibrio statistics, bringing additional cases to Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties.
In 2023, the state saw 46 cases and 11 associated deaths.
We are still about half-way through Vibrio season, so we may see additional cases and reports of Vibrio death before the year is over.
Vibrio thrive in warm, brackish waters. Peak Vibrio season often occurs between May and November.
According to Florida Health, most people get Vibrio infections from eating raw or undercooked shellfish. Raw oysters are a common source. Though mussels and clams are also risky foods. In these cases, foodborne and potential subsequent bloodborne infections are observed.
Others get infected through contact with coastal waters or the juices and water of shellfish. These wound-borne infections can result in life-saving amputation. However, mortality risk is high without prompt treatment. Breaks in the skin allow Vibrio bacteria entry and infection to begin. Even small scratches and cuts can lead to deadly Vibrio infections.
Vibrio infections can be severe and life-threatening. Especially when Vibrio vulnificus is at play. About one in five people with Vibrio vulnificus infections die from complications. Sometimes within a day or two of becoming sick!
Vibrio deaths in Florida and other coastal states are more common than we want to think about. But why are they so deadly?
These most common Vibrio bacteria associated with Vibrio death is Vibrio vulnificus. This toxin-producing bacteria reproduces quickly and causes rapid tissue destruction. Part of the reason it is commonly associated with “flesh-eating disease.”
This process can cause severe blood infections which can lead to septic shock and organ failure within 48 hours of exposure. Especially in vulnerable people with weakened immune systems. However, normally healthy people can still fall sick and die from this dangerous germ.
Symptoms of Vibrio infections depend on the type of infection you have. Foodborne Vibrio infections present different symptoms than wound infections.
Vibrio infections from contaminated food generally begin with gastrointestinal illness. These illnesses can range from mild to severe. Even deadly.
If you become sick after eating raw or undercooked shellfish, seek medical help right away.
Symptoms of food poisoning caused by Vibrio from oysters involve digestive and flu-like symptoms.
Common gastrointestinal symptoms include:
Oftentimes, wound Vibrio infections can quickly go from bad to worse.
Wound infections are typically topical.
Common wound infection symptoms include:
Once Vibrio enters the bloodstream, it can become deadly.
Common symptoms of bloodstream Vibrio infections include
There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of Vibrio infections.
If you begin experiencing symptoms of Vibrio infection, whether foodborne or wound infections, get medical help right away! This isn’t an illness you want to wait out to see if it gets better.
It is a good idea to make a list of the places you have been and the foods you have eaten in the time leading up to becoming sick. This can help investigators understand where your illness came from and potentially protect others from falling sick too. Your information can alert authorities of contaminated water or food sources, resulting in beach closures or food recalls.
You should also get advice from a Vibrio Lawyer. If you have become sick from foodborne illness, you may have a legal claim. Medical bills, lost wages, and other burdens associated with Vibrio illness add up. An experienced Vibrio Lawyer can go over the details of your situation and help determine if you have a legal claim.
Becoming sick with a Vibrio infection can be scary. The illness can rapidly escalate to life-threatening.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help answer questions you have, point you in the direction of resources, and represent you as needed in court or in front of insurance companies.
They have helped people in situations just like yours recover millions of dollars in food poisoning and product liability cases. They can help you too!
Contact the Vibrio lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC at (833) 330-3663 or click here for a free consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)