A fourth person has died in Florida this year from an infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria commonly found in warm coastal and brackish waters. This latest fatality involved a resident of Broward County, aged between 75 and 79, according to the Florida Department of Health, which last updated its data on September 10. So far in 2026, the state has reported 21 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections, including previous deaths in Bay, Palm Beach, and Marion counties. The exact source of the infection for the latest victim remains unknown. Vibrio vulnificus is naturally present in warm, saltwater environments and can be contracted in a few ways. The most common route is through the consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters. These shellfish filter large amounts of seawater, which can allow the bacteria to build up inside them. A contaminated oyster may look, smell, and taste normal, making it difficult for consumers to detect the presence of Vibrio. Cooking oysters thoroughly can kill the bacteria, reducing the risk of infection. Another way people can become infected is through open wounds that come into contact with contaminated water, such as while swimming, boating, or working near coastal areas. This risk is heightened for individuals with open wounds, recent tattoos, or piercings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that Vibrio infections are more common during warmer months when the bacteria thrive in higher water temperatures. Symptoms of Vibrio infection vary depending on how the infection is acquired. Ingesting the bacteria can lead to symptoms similar to food poisoning, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fever. If the infection enters through a wound, symptoms may include fever, swelling, and discharge around the affected area. In severe cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to dangerously low blood pressure, chills, and blistering skin lesions. In the most extreme cases, Vibrio vulnificus can cause rapid tissue destruction, sometimes earning it the nickname "flesh-eating bacteria." Treatment with antibiotics is possible, but the illness can progress quickly, and some people may die within a day or two after symptoms begin. Health officials advise high-risk individuals, such as those with weakened immune systems or liver disease, to avoid raw or undercooked shellfish to reduce their risk of severe infection.