Bay County sees second Vibrio death this year

A Bay County hospital reported the second Vibrio vulnificus death this year involving a 78 year old man.

Bay County Sees Second Vibrio Death This Year

Two people have died in Bay County this year after contracting Vibrio vulnificus. On August 4 a 78 year old man who had been visiting St George Island died at a Bay County hospital. Florida has recorded five Vibrio related fatalities in 2025 and 16 total infections across the state.

Vibrio vulnificus lives in warm brackish seawater and infections often occur when a wound enters seawater or when contaminated seafood is eaten. Officials caution that most infections are mild, but wound and bloodstream infections can be deadly especially for older adults and people with pre existing conditions. Several beaches in Bay County currently carry water quality advisories as the season for warm water continues.

The losses underscore ongoing risk as coastal waters warm. Public health guidance must be clear and practical for beachgoers, oyster shuckers, and health providers alike. Officials face the challenge of balancing tourism and safety in peak season, which means messaging needs to be simple and repeated.

Beyond individual actions, the events point to broader questions about water quality monitoring and climate driven changes in bacterial spread. Local authorities may need stronger on the ground guidance and faster alerts to reduce harm while supporting the coast economy that depends on visitors.

Highlights

Public health messaging must meet changing waters.