Vibrio vulnificus bacteria causing rising infections in US and Europe

Health authorities in the United States and Europe are monitoring an increase in infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium often referred to as ‘flesh-eating’ due to its ability to destroy skin and connective tissue. The bacteria thrive in warm, slightly salty waters.

In the United States, seven deaths have been confirmed this year, primarily in Louisiana and Florida. The Louisiana Department of Health notes a mortality rate of approximately one in five infected individuals. Experts link the rising frequency of cases to increasing sea temperatures, with projections suggesting a potential 50% increase in annual cases by 2090 due to climate change.

In Europe, the bacterium has been detected in the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea. The Robert Koch Institute reported 17 cases and two deaths in Germany as of July 2026, a significant increase compared to previous years. While the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) currently classifies the infection risk as very low, researchers note that rising water temperatures create more favorable conditions for the bacteria to proliferate.

Infection typically occurs through contact between seawater and open wounds, such as cuts, tattoos, or piercings, or through the consumption of raw seafood, particularly oysters. High-risk groups include the elderly and individuals with chronic liver disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems.