Cases of Maryland flesh-eating bacteria raise concerns about swimming in Chesapeake Bay

There have been 29 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus — a flesh-eating bacteria — so far this year in Maryland waters, along with nearly 100 probable cases, according to Dr. Clifford Mitchell, the Director of the Environmental Health Bureau in the Maryland Department of Health.

As public reports of cases appear, experts are warning that warm weather could mean more cases.

First flesh-eating bacteria death of 2026 recorded in this state  USA Today

Health officials in Florida confirmed the state's first death from the flesh-eating bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus.