PENSACOLA, Florida: A Vibrio vulnificus infection left Genevieve Gallagher critically ill after she entered coastal water with a cut during a July 2025 family outing.
Gallagher told Fox 35 in August 2026 that doctors rushed her into surgery days later. She said she developed sepsis and organ failure and needed six days of intubation.
Gallagher said she later discovered that surgeons had removed a large amount of tissue from her lower leg. She urged swimmers to take even small breaks in the skin seriously.
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The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says Vibrio can enter through open wounds exposed to coastal water. Recent tattoos and piercings can also create openings in the skin.
Florida has recorded 15 confirmed Vibrio vulnificus cases and two deaths in 2026 as of August 13, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Health officials advise people to keep open wounds away from warm salt or brackish water. Severe infections can require intensive care or limb amputation.
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Gallagher specifically warned against shaving shortly before entering the water because shaving can leave small skin breaks. Her advice comes from her personal experience rather than a formal CDC shaving guideline.
