Vibrio vulnificus

An increase in the number of Vibrio vulnificus cases this year was to be expected as the infection can be contracted through exposure of open wounds to saltwater, which is common after hurricanes.

Researchers used DNA samples and findings to conclude the presence of two particularly concerning species in coastal waters: Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus.

A rise in cases of Vibrio vulnificus and its spread northward have heightened concern. The CDC is trying to make more doctors aware of the pathogen.

The health department says 26 cases of Vibrio vulnificus have been confirmed statewide this year, with two deaths in Hillsborough County, and one each in Pasco, Polk and Sarasota counties.

The Twitterverse is blowing up with claims that Florida has a "flesh-eating" bacteria but state health officials are trying to tamp down what they say is…

Sarasota County health officials have issued a warning against eating raw oysters and exposing open wounds to coastal and inland waters after one person...