Flesh-Eating Bacteria Thrive On Global Warming

By Douglas McIntyre  •  September 4, 2025
CDC Pexels

Flesh-eating bacteria is rare, but often deadly. Global warming is making it less rare. 

These bacteria were usually found in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. They thrive in water that is very warm. Global warming has extended the area where the problem is more frequent to areas along the eastern coast of the US.  

According to the CDC, “ V. vulnificus infections in the Eastern United States increased eightfold from 1988–2018, and the northern geographic range of infections has increased 48 km per year. During July–August 2023, the United States has experienced above-average coastal sea surface temperatures and widespread heat waves. During the same period, several East Coast states, including Connecticut, New York, and North Carolina, have reported severe and fatal V. vulnificus infections. “

East Coast

The news is similar to that which has put people on notice that certain ticks and mosquitoes which pose dangers to humans have moved out of their normal habitat to places that were not warm enough to support them. So far, this has included West Nile virus, which has been found in New York City, New York, and California. The BBC recently called it a warmer, more dangerous world.

How dangerous is flesh-eating bacteria? One of five people die, and most within a day or two or initial symptoms. In a cooler world, it would not be a threat across almost the entire nation.

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