A fourth person in Florida has died after contracting a deadly flesh-eating bacterial infection linked to raw or undercooked oysters.
State health officials confirmed the latest fatality in Broward County involved an individual between 75 and 79 years old.
Although officials added the fatality to updated tracking counts, the exact path of transmission in this case remains unclear.
The recent death follows three earlier fatalities reported across Bay, Palm Beach and Marion counties.
Florida health authorities warned residents about infection risks, stating, “Most people get vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters”.
According to official health data, Florida has recorded 21 total cases of Vibrio vulnificus so far in 2026.
The dangerous organism is a naturally occurring bacterium that thrives in warm, brackish seawater.
Exposure typically occurs when individuals consume contaminated shellfish or swim in warm coastal waters with open cuts.
Health officials warned that bloodstream infections caused by the bacterium prove fatal in about 50% of cases.
State health authorities highlighted the severe risk for vulnerable individuals, noting, “A recent study showed that people with these pre-existing medical conditions were 80 times more likely to develop Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections than healthy people”.
While healthy individuals usually experience mild illness, severe cases cause fever, chills, septic shock and blistering skin lesions.
In severe wound cases, extensive tissue damage can require surgical amputation.
Historical data shows Florida recorded 82 cases and 19 deaths in 2024, plus 74 cases and 17 deaths in 2022.
Officials noted that major hurricanes like Helene and Ian created standing floodwaters that drove up infection spikes.
Bacterial threats extend across neighboring Gulf Coast states, where Louisiana has documented 15 cases and six deaths.
Texas averages 33 cases annually, while Mississippi has reported three cases this year.