What is the beach virus in Florida?

According to Florida Health, Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that naturally occurs in warm, brackish seawater and requires salt. This year, there have been 25 reported cases and five deaths since January 2023. “Living in Florida, being around the marine environment, we need to be aware of what it is,” said Dr.



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Another potential threat beachgoers should be aware of in Florida is Vibrio vulnificus — rare species of so-called flesh-eating bacteria found in raw shellfish or seawater. The dangerous strain of vibrio bacteria has been linked to five deaths in Florida this year, state health officials said.

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Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria found in warm, brackish seawater. Although contracting vibrio vulnificus is rare, health officials said it can cause life-threatening infections.

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Florida's rainy summer and the recent storm make some beaches more treacherous to swim in because of higher levels of fecal contamination. People who come into contact with contaminated water can experience gastrointestinal illness, ear and eye infections, and skin rashes.

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Eighty-four percent of Gulf Coast beaches, 70% of West Coast beaches, and 63% of the Great Lakes reached these potentially unsafe levels at least once in 2022.

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Rip currents are another concern that beachgoers should be aware of. Strong rip currents increase the risk of drowning. According to the National Weather Service, the risk for rip currents is moderate or high for all South Florida beaches and most of the remainder of the state.

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