Fourth Florida resident dies after contracting flesh-eating bacteria linked to oysters

A fourth Florida resident died from Vibrio vulnificus infection in 2026, according to state health officials. The Florida Department of Health linked the deaths to consumption of raw oysters and exposure to contaminated water. Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium found in saltwater that can cause severe wound infections and septicemia. Health officials advised residents to avoid eating raw oysters and to cover open wounds when in saltwater environments.

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