Flesh eating Vibrio vulnificus found in Long Island Sound

In recent years, scientists have documented Vibrio sp. expanding into places that were once too cold to support the bacteria, pushing as far north along the U.S. East Coast as Maine and appearing with more prevalence in temperate seas around the world. A small number of Vibrio sp. can sicken and even kill people and pets.

Vibrio is reportedly present in water bodies across Long Island and poses a 20 percent risk of death within 48 hours to infected people, according to a new study.

Sources:

• Grist, April 22, 2026. Link.
• NDTV, April 23, 2026. Link.