Flesh-eating bacteria devour man's arm and leg in just three days
A 74-year-old man developed severe infections in his limbs after jumping into Florida's Gulf Coast waters. He was diagnosed with Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium, which led to the amputation of his leg and extensive skin grafting on his arm. This case underscores the increasing threat of such infections due to climate change and rising water temperatures.
- ▪The man went to the emergency department with rapidly rotting limbs after a cut from jumping into the water.
- ▪He tested positive for Vibrio vulnificus, which can infect through wounds or contaminated seafood.
- ▪The overall mortality rate for V. vulnificus infections is about 35 percent, increasing significantly for those with underlying health conditions.
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Dangerous dip Flesh-eating bacteria devour man’s arm and leg in just three days When doctors saw him, his limbs were discolored and crackling. Beth Mole – Apr 28, 2026 4:15 pm | 130 A scanning electron micrograph of Vibrio vulnificus Credit: Getty | BSIP A scanning electron micrograph of Vibrio vulnificus Credit: Getty | BSIP Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav A 74-year-old man went to an emergency department in Florida with rapidly rotting limbs after jumping into the waters off Florida’s Gulf Coast. Just three days earlier, the man was otherwise healthy and active on the coast. But at one point when he jumped into the water, he got a cut on his right leg.
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