Florida Teen Survives 1-Week Vibrio Hospitalization After Park Swim
Updated
Updated · WWNY · Jun 15
Florida Teen Survives 1-Week Vibrio Hospitalization After Park Swim
3 articles · Updated · WWNY · Jun 15
Summary
Joziah Thompson, 17, returned home June 10 after a week in the hospital and multiple surgeries for a Vibrio vulnificus infection contracted while swimming June 1 at Lion’s Park in Niceville, Florida.
A minor leg scratch turned critical within two days, and doctors transferred him from Twin Cities Hospital to Studer Family Children’s Hospital in Pensacola for emergency surgery to remove infected tissue.
Thompson remains on aggressive antibiotics and still faces risks including renewed infection and heart issues, according to his mother.
His mother is urging local officials to track and publicize bacteria levels in public waters after the case.
Florida recorded 33 Vibrio vulnificus cases in 2025, with five deaths; the bacteria can enter through open wounds in warm, brackish coastal water and become life-threatening.