PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — With warmer water this season, North Carolina and Virginia are reporting higher cases of vibrio, commonly referred to as flesh-eating bacteria.
It may sound scary on paper, but the health officials 10 On Your Side spoke with insist it is still safe to go swimming as long as you take a few precautions.
In North Carolina, infection numbers have been rising in recent years. Between January and the end of July, there were 69 reported vibrio cases last year, and 59 this year, including two vibrio deaths in 2024 and one in 2025. Virginia has reported 50 cases so far this year.
Vibrio thrives in warmer water, so there tends to be more infections during the summer months. They are more common in sound-side water as opposed to the ocean-side. Researchers are looking into whether or not climate change is contributing to the rise in numbers with warmer water in the winter.
“It stands to reason that yes, with global warming, there’s probably an increased time of risk,” said Carl Williams, a state public health veterinarian with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Cuts on your skin make you more prone to getting a vibrio infection.
“Like you cut your leg on a boat propeller, then you should get out, clean it, and if you have signs of infection, you should see a doctor,” Williams said.
But state officials told 10 On Your Side other risk factors are more common.
“It’s more common among individuals with weakened immune systems and then also, most people become infected through eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially raw oysters and other shellfish,” said Kelsey Holloman, director of the Virginia Foodborne Disease Epidemiology Program.
Even with these rising numbers, health officials said it is still safe to go swimming.
“Don’t be afraid of the beach,” Williams said. “Don’t not go to the beach. Just be advised that these things are out there. They’re a normal part of the environment and you can take steps to minimize your risk of infection.”
Some of the vibrio data in North Carolina might change throughout 2025 as more tests get carried out.
