A Palm Beach County resident has died in the state's first fatal case of a "flesh-eating" bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus in 2026, according to the Florida Department of Health. Watch NBC6 free wherever you are WATCH HERE WATCH HEREIn 2025, Florida reported 33 cases of Vibrio vulnificus and five deaths, according to reports from the Florida Department of Health. Cases of Vibrio vulnificus tend to increase between May and October, when coastal waters are warmer and more people go to the beach or eat raw oysters. Don’t eat raw oysters or other raw seafood. Avoid cross-contamination between cooked seafood and raw seafood or its juices.