Florida Man Survives Flesh-Eating Bacteria After 101 Days in the Hospital: ‘I Got a Second Chance’

A Florida man has shared his harrowing experience after contracting a severe infection caused by the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, highlighting the risks associated with this alarming bacterial infection. Andy Stough, a resident of Palm Beach, endured an arduous journey lasting over three months in hospital, during which he battled life-threatening complications from the illness.

In March 2026, Stough was landscaping close to the Intracoastal Waterway. While working, he sustained several cuts on his hands, which he later realised became infected. His gloves, drenched from the water, contributed to the situation. Shortly thereafter, he observed troubling symptoms, including blistering on his hands that rapidly escalated. Stough reflected, “It was a three-day process of being and looking fine to having my hands and arms looking like a big blood blister.”

Initially dismissing his condition as a minor infection, Stough soon discovered that he had contracted Vibrio vulnificus. The infection deteriorated rapidly, resulting in an extensive hospital stay. Among the 101 days he spent in medical care, five were spent in a coma, and a month was required in an intensive care unit. “I was one day away from having my arms amputated and another day away from possible death,” he recounted, illustrating the severity of his ordeal.

Stough was discharged from hospital four days before his birthday, marking a significant milestone in his recovery. Despite the lingering effects of the infection, he expressed gratitude for being alive, stating, “I’m lucky to be standing here with my arms and my life. I got a second chance.” Although he acknowledges he may never fully regain the use of his hands and arms, Stough has accepted this as a minor detail in the grand scheme of his health.

Health officials in Florida have raised alarms regarding a troubling increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus, with 17 confirmed cases and three reported deaths as of late August 2023. The Florida Department of Health has urged the public to be aware of the risks associated with exposure to this bacteria, particularly during the warmer months when water temperatures peak.

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that naturally inhabits coastal waters. According to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections commonly arise from consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, where the bacteria can accumulate. Open wounds, recent tattoos, or piercings expose individuals to potential infection when in contact with brackish water.

Infections tend to occur more frequently between May and October when water temperatures are at their highest. Symptoms can vary significantly based on how the infection is contracted. For instances involving the bloodstream, individuals might experience fever, chills, extremely low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions. Wound infections may present with fever, swelling, and discharge, while those who ingest Vibrio may suffer gastrointestinal distress, resembling food poisoning.

The CDC states that, while Vibrio infections can be treated with antibiotics, more severe cases may necessitate surgical intervention, including amputation of affected limbs to eliminate necrotic or infected tissue. Alarmingly, the bacteria is fatal in about 20% of documented cases, with some patients succumbing within a couple of days after symptoms manifest.

Stough’s case is a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by Vibrio vulnificus and serves as an urgent warning from health experts. As the summer approaches, officials continue to emphasise the importance of public awareness regarding the risks associated with water exposure and food consumption to help prevent similar infections and ensure community safety.