CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A third case of vibrio Vulnificus, a virulent bacterium found in coastal waters, has been contracted by a child in Clay County, state health records show.
The is the third case of the “flesh-eating” infection reported in Northeast Florida in 2026. Earlier cases affected one person in Duval County over 60 and another person in St. Johns County over 70.
The serious infection is typically acquired in warm, brackish or salt waters through open wounds or by ingesting raw or undercooked shellfish. It can cause rapid skin breakdown, blisters and severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
While infections are rare, it is known for causing severe and life-threatening illnesses.
Researchers in Florida are working to build a tool to predict where a dangerous bacteria may be lurking in the water weeks in advance.
Earlier this year, former Action New Jax anchor Tera Lageman - wife of former Jacksonville Jaguars player Jeff Lageman - shared her story of battling a case of vibrio Vulnificus she contracted in South Carolina after eating raw oysters.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
