Florida Health Officials Report Year's Highest Monthly Spike in Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases

TAMPA BAY, FL — Florida health officials are urging caution around coastal and brackish waters after new statewide data showed August produced the highest number of Vibrio vulnificus cases of any month so far this year.

The Florida Department of Health released the surveillance update Sept. 1, confirming the August spike in cases of the bacteria commonly known as "flesh-eating bacteria."

Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria found in warm, brackish seawater. Most people are exposed either by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, or through direct contact between an open wound and seawater. Most healthy people experience only mild symptoms, but the infection can turn severe and life-threatening, especially for people with weakened immune systems — with symptoms including fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure and blistering skin lesions.

How to Stay Safe

Health officials recommend covering any open wounds, cuts or scrapes before entering coastal or brackish water, and seeking medical attention promptly if a wound infection develops after water exposure.

Why It Matters for Wesley Chapel

While Wesley Chapel itself isn't coastal, many residents regularly head to Gulf beaches and bay-area waters for recreation, especially as the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches. Anyone with open wounds or a compromised immune system heading to the coast this season should take the state's advisory seriously.

📍 Statewide advisory — Florida Department of Health

📅 Data released: September 1, 2026 (covering August case totals)

🌐 floridahealth.gov | Reporting from WFLA