Florida Reports Two Additional Vibrio vulnificus Cases, Bringing 2025 Total to 33

The Florida Department of Health has reported two new cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections in Lee County and Nassau County, increasing the statewide total to 33 cases with five deaths as of December 5, 2025.

Deaths this year have occurred in Bay County (2), Broward County (1), Hillsborough County (1), and St. Johns County (1).

Cases span more than 20 counties, including:

• Lee County: 4

• Escambia County: 3

• Santa Rosa County: 3

• Broward County: 3

• Others with 1–2 cases each (e.g., Collier, Hillsborough, St. Johns).

The article highlights two survivors:

• Genevieve Gallagher from Pensacola contracted the infection in July after swimming in Santa Rosa Sound. She was intubated for nearly a week and underwent extensive tissue debridement on her left leg, with doctors removing much of the muscle down to nearly the bone.

• Albert Allison, an 88-year-old from East Naples, became infected in August while handling fish. He experienced intense pain, was treated with multiple antibiotics, and required rehabilitation, stating, “I thought I was going to die,” but noting recovery progress.

Unlike 2024's record 82 cases and 19 deaths—largely post-Hurricanes Helene and Milton—2025 has seen no major storms contributing to elevated numbers. From 2014–2024 (excluding storm-spike years 2022 and 2024), Florida averaged about 41 cases and 9 deaths annually.

Source: Florida Department of Health data via The News-Press (December 8, 2025).