Tampa Bay Leads V. vibrio Cases in 2024

The Florida Health Department recently confirmed a record number of Vibrio vulnificus (V. vibrio) cases and deaths in 2024. While infections are rare, this increase was related to hurricanes in the year's second half.

As of January 3, 2025, Florida reported 83 V. vibrio cases and 18 deaths last year. Pinellas County (Tampa Bay) led all counties with 15 cases and three deaths.

In 2023, there were 46 cases and 11 related deaths.

About 80,000 cases of vibriosis happen each year in the United States.

Vibrio is a naturally occurring bacterium in warm seawater. Brackish water is a mixture of salt and fresh water often found where rivers meet the ocean. People can get vibriosis after swallowing Vibrio or getting it in a wound.

Florida and the U.S. CDC recommend not to enter the salt water if you have fresh cuts or scrapes.

Furthermore, there are no protective V. vibrio vaccines available in 2025.

However, various travel vaccines are available to protect people when visiting Florida.