You might not think that eating raw or undercooked oysters would be particularly harmful. But that assumption may not actually be true. In fact, per The New York Post, four people have allegedly died because of flesh-eating bacteria. It is often associated with eating raw or undercooked oysters. The scientific term for the bacteria is Vibrio vulnificus. The deaths reportedly occurred in Florida.
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Per the outlet, "The [fourth] death was included Thursday in the Florida Department of Health's updated fatality count for the deadly flesh-eating bacterium Vibrio vulnificus." That is as of 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The unnamed person who succumbed was in their mid- to late-seventies and was from Broward County. The manner by which this individual actually got the deadly infection is uncertain.
Others who died from Vibrio vulnificus reportedly lived in Marion, Bay, and Palm Beach counties.
What to Know About Vibrio vulnificus
According to the Florida Department of Health web site, this bacteria often thrives in "warm, brackish seawater." Besides eating raw or undercooked oysters, another method of getting an infection from flesh-eating bacteria is exposure to seawater containing it via an open wound.
Healthy people typically may only contract "mild disease" from exposure to Vibrio vulnificus. However, per the Florida Department of Health, those who are more vulnerable to severe outcomes include those with chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or weak immune systems.
This Is Not the State's Worst Year for Flesh-Eating Bacteria
In fact, Florida's worst recent year for Vibrio vulnificus was actually 2024. That year, there were reportedly 82 cases of illness, with 19 deaths. That was an especially significant time for Vibrio vulnificus because of the aftereffects of Hurricane Helene. Per the web site, flood water and standing water both constitute potential hazards for this flesh-eating bacteria.
Ways To Protect Yourself
There are some simple steps people can take to avoid getting ill from Vibrio vulnificus. The Florida Department of Health suggests, for example, cooking shellfish well, not eating raw oysters or shellfish, donning gloves if you handle raw shellfish, and protecting your feet to avoid being cut by anything sharp if you walk on a beach.
There are more helpful prevention tips on the Florida Department of Health web site.
