US reports 8 deaths in 2025 from flesh-eating bacteria present in the sea

At least eight people have died so far this year in the United States from a bacteria present in seawater and raw or undercooked seafood, while the number of detected cases has risen to over 30 infections.

The states of Florida and Louisiana, both in the southeastern United States, have been the hardest hit by the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, reporting four deaths each, according to data from state health departments.

Louisiana also reported 17 infections, while in Florida the number of those affected rose to thirteen.

The states of Alabama and Mississippi also reported one infection each, as reported by People magazine.

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria that feeds on human flesh, lives in warm marine waters, and can also be contracted by eating raw shellfish, particularly oysters, the Florida Department of Health said in a public notice.

Therefore, health authorities recommend People with recent wounds, autoimmune diseases, or chronic kidney or liver conditions should not enter the water.

Louisiana health officials warned that between 150 and 200 infections are reported each year nationwide, and that the death toll is "one in five infected people."