Florida has reported 14 cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but severe infection often called flesh-eating bacteria, this year. One of the cases involved a child in Brevard County, according to the Florida Department of Health. The infection, which can develop rapidly after exposure to contaminated water, has also affected residents in Marion and Polk counties.
Genevieve Gallagher, a Brevard County resident, contracted the bacteria in 2025 during a boating trip with her family. She said she had a small cut on her leg at the time and didn’t think much of it. By Wednesday of the following week, her condition had worsened. Her wound turned black, she began sweating profusely, and she felt ill. Her husband took her to the emergency room, where doctors later told her she had lost so much of her left leg below the kneecap that she would need multiple surgeries.
Gallagher described the experience as life-altering. “This will turn your life upside down,” she said. “It’s unbelievable the amount of trauma I’ve been through.” She spent days in the hospital and was unconscious for part of that time. She said she is grateful to be alive but emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention immediately if someone has a wound and develops symptoms like fever, swelling, or rapid tissue death.
The Florida Department of Health confirmed 14 cases statewide this year, including one in Brevard County involving a child aged 10 to 14. Marion County had two cases, one of which resulted in a death, and Polk County had one. Dr. Autumn Barnes, a family medicine physician with Health First, said Vibrio vulnificus is rare but can be deadly if not treated quickly. “It’s important to know the signs and seek care immediately,” she said. Health officials are urging residents to avoid swimming in warm, brackish water with open wounds and to clean any cuts thoroughly after outdoor activities.