Flesh-eating bacteria devour man's arm and leg in just three days
A 74-year-old Florida man lost his leg and part of his arm to a severe flesh-eating bacterial infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus after a cut he sustained while swimming in the Gulf Coast waters became infected. By the time he reached the hospital, his limbs showed advanced tissue damage, requiring amputation and skin grafts. He survived after prompt surgery, antibiotics, and months of recovery. The case underscores growing public health concerns about the spread of such infections due to climate change.
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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 | 34 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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