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Source: https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/f...esh-eating-bacteria-death-2026-cases-reach-14
Florida reports 2nd 'flesh-eating' bacteria death of 2026 as cases reach 14
By Stephanie Buffamonte
Published August 10, 2026 8:08 PM EDT
The Brief
A Marion County resident has died from a Vibrio vulnificus infection, marking Florida's second death linked to the flesh-eating bacteria this year.
Survivor Genevieve Gallagher is warning beachgoers not to enter coastal waters with open cuts or fresh shaves after a small wound led to organ failure and leg tissue loss.
University of Florida researchers led by Dr. Antarpreet Jutla are using NASA satellite data and AI models to build an early-warning system that predicts Vibrio risk across coastal waters.
MARION COUNTY, Fla. - A Marion County resident between the ages of 60 and 74 has died after contracting a severe infection from Vibrio—a rare, naturally occurring bacteria often referred to as "flesh-eating." The victim's death is the second death in 14 reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus across the state this year.
Vibrio bacteria thrive in warm, brackish, or salt water and typically enter the body through an open wound. While cases are relatively rare, they can escalate rapidly. The state reported 33 cases and 5 deaths linked to Vibrio infections last year...
Florida reports 2nd 'flesh-eating' bacteria death of 2026 as cases reach 14
By Stephanie Buffamonte
Published August 10, 2026 8:08 PM EDT
The Brief
A Marion County resident has died from a Vibrio vulnificus infection, marking Florida's second death linked to the flesh-eating bacteria this year.
Survivor Genevieve Gallagher is warning beachgoers not to enter coastal waters with open cuts or fresh shaves after a small wound led to organ failure and leg tissue loss.
University of Florida researchers led by Dr. Antarpreet Jutla are using NASA satellite data and AI models to build an early-warning system that predicts Vibrio risk across coastal waters.
MARION COUNTY, Fla. - A Marion County resident between the ages of 60 and 74 has died after contracting a severe infection from Vibrio—a rare, naturally occurring bacteria often referred to as "flesh-eating." The victim's death is the second death in 14 reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus across the state this year.
Vibrio bacteria thrive in warm, brackish, or salt water and typically enter the body through an open wound. While cases are relatively rare, they can escalate rapidly. The state reported 33 cases and 5 deaths linked to Vibrio infections last year...