A Quiet Day Turns Tragic: South Florida Resident Dies After Contracting Flesh-Eating Bacteria

What started as a typical Florida summer afternoon ended in tragedy for one Broward County family, as a loved one became the latest victim of a rare but deadly infection: Vibrio vulnificus, commonly known as a flesh-eating bacteria.

A Family’s Worst Nightmare

While the state is no stranger to water-related illnesses, the loss of life to this particular infection cuts deep. According to the Florida Department of Health, the individual—whose identity has not yet been made public—contracted the bacteria in recent weeks and died after the infection rapidly spread through their bloodstream. They are one of four people in Florida who have died from this infection in 2025, and the only confirmed death in South Florida so far this year.

The news has sent waves of concern throughout the community. Family and friends, grappling with the sudden and violent nature of the illness, are urging others to take the risk seriously.

“It all happened so fast,” said a friend of the victim. “One day we were planning a barbecue, and within two days, he was gone.”

What Is Vibrio Vulnificus?

Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium found in warm, brackish waters—exactly the kind of shallow coastal environments that make Florida a popular vacation destination. The bacteria thrive during the summer months, especially as sea temperatures rise, creating ideal conditions for growth.

While infections are rare, they are extremely dangerous. The bacteria can enter the body through:

• Small cuts or open wounds exposed to contaminated water.

• Eating undercooked or raw seafood, especially oysters.

Once inside the body, it can cause a condition called necrotizing fasciitis—a fast-moving infection that destroys tissue and can quickly become life-threatening.

Alarming Statistics

So far in 2025:

• 11 cases have been reported across the state.

• 4 deaths have occurred, with this South Florida case being the most recent.

• Health officials note that even healthy individuals can be affected, but the greatest risk lies with those who have:

  • Liver disease

  • Diabetes

  • Cancer

  • Weak immune systems

How the Infection Progresses

Symptoms often begin with:

• Redness or swelling around a wound

• Intense pain disproportionate to the size of the injury

• Fever and chills

But what follows can be devastating. Within hours, the bacteria can spread, leading to septic shock, organ failure, and death if not treated immediately.

Dr. Maria Calderón, an infectious disease specialist in Miami, warned:

“People underestimate how aggressive this bacteria is. By the time many get to the hospital, it’s already too late.”

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Given the spike in cases and Florida’s hot, humid summer, health officials are recommending the following precautions:

Experts are concerned this might be more than an isolated surge. As ocean temperatures rise due to climate change, cases of Vibrio vulnificus are becoming more frequent along the East Coast—not just in Florida, but in states like Connecticut and New York, where these infections were once unheard of.

In 2023, the CDC issued an advisory about increasing cases due to warming seas. Now, that warning is playing out in real-time for families like the one mourning their loved one in Broward.