Teen fights flesh-eating bacteria he got while swimming at park with siblings

A 17-year-old Florida resident was hospitalized for a week and underwent multiple surgeries after contracting Vibrio vulnificus while swimming at Lion’s Park in Niceville. According to family members, the bacteria entered through a minor scratch on the teenager’s leg, leading to a life-threatening emergency and the surgical removal of infected tissue.

How did the infection occur?

Joziah Thompson spent June 1 swimming with siblings at Lion’s Park. Within two days, a minor scratch on his leg became severe, with his mother, Tirzah Thompson, reporting that his leg was red, hot to the touch, and caused significant pain.

Medical providers first treated Thompson, who has autism, at Twin Cities Hospital. He was later moved to Studer Family Children’s Hospital in Pensacola for emergency surgery to remove infected tissue.

Did You Know? In 2025, 33 people in Florida contracted Vibrio vulnificus, and five of those individuals died.

What is Vibrio vulnificus?

The Florida Department of Health identifies Vibrio vulnificus as a naturally occurring bacteria found in warm, brackish coastal waters. It is commonly referred to as “flesh-eating bacteria” due to the severe damage it inflicts on skin and soft tissue.

According to the Florida Department of Health, infection occurs when open wounds come into contact with coastal waters or through the consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish, specifically oysters. While healthy individuals may experience mild illness, the bacteria can cause septic shock and severe skin infections if it enters the bloodstream.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that this case highlights the critical risk posed by seemingly insignificant skin breaks in brackish environments. The speed at which a minor scratch progressed to a life-threatening emergency underscores the necessity of immediate medical intervention when skin infections appear after water exposure.

What is the recovery process and next step?

Thompson returned home on June 10 after a week of hospitalization and multiple surgeries. His mother states he is currently on an aggressive course of antibiotics and remains at risk for further infection and heart issues.

Tirzah Thompson is now urging local leaders to establish a system to monitor bacteria levels in local waters to increase public awareness. A GoFundMe has been created to assist the family of nine with lost income and medical expenses.

Future public health responses may include increased signage or monitoring systems if local leaders act on the family’s requests. Public awareness campaigns could potentially reduce the number of infections by educating swimmers on the risks of entering brackish water with open wounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can someone contract Vibrio vulnificus?
According to the Florida Department of Health, people can be infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, or when open wounds touch coastal waters.

Where is this bacteria typically found?
The bacteria naturally occurs in warm, brackish coastal waters.

What are the potential complications of the infection?
The Florida Department of Health states it can cause severe skin infections and, if it enters the bloodstream, may lead to septic shock.

Do you take specific precautions when swimming in coastal or brackish waters?