Florida Reports 8 Vibrio Cases in 2026 as 2 New Infections Hit Okaloosa, Palm Beach
Updated
Updated · WUSF · Jun 12
Florida Reports 8 Vibrio Cases in 2026 as 2 New Infections Hit Okaloosa, Palm Beach
3 articles · Updated · WUSF · Jun 12
Summary
Two new Vibrio vulnificus infections were logged in Okaloosa and Palm Beach counties during May 28-June 6, lifting Florida’s 2026 total to eight cases.
Florida had recorded five cases by this point last year and 33 for all of 2025, with the bacteria thriving in the state’s warm brackish and coastal waters.
Vibrio can infect people through open wounds exposed to salt or brackish water or through raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters; severe cases can rapidly lead to tissue death, bloodstream infection and sepsis.
Health officials urge people to avoid warm coastal water with open wounds, keep cuts covered, cook shellfish thoroughly and seek prompt care if redness, swelling, pain or blisters develop after exposure.
Florida remains a hotspot for the rare infection—estimated at 100 to 200 U.S. cases annually—and past hurricanes have driven spikes by pushing warm coastal water and debris inland.