The Brief A Marion County resident has died from a Vibrio vulnificus infection, marking Florida's second death linked to the flesh-eating bacteria this year. The victim's death is the second death in 14 reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus across the state this year. Vibrio bacteria thrive in warm, brackish, or salt water and typically enter the body through an open wound. Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in coastal waters. Vibrio Vulnificus cases from 2017-2026.