Florida teen fights for his life after contracting flesh-eating bacteria while swimming with siblings
A 17-year-old boy is fighting for his life after contracting *Vibrio vulnificus* bacteria from a minor scratch sustained while swimming at a park in Niceville, Florida. Doctors are monitoring the infection, which has already caused severe complications. His siblings were with him during the incident but remain unharmed. The family has warned others about the risks of open wounds in water.
What changed
New primary source confirms the teen's name as Joziah Thompson and specifies *Vibrio vulnificus* as the bacterial strain, with reports detailing the rapid progression from scratch to life-threatening infection.
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Florida teen in critical condition after flesh-eating bacteria from swimming
confidence 92%A 17-year-old boy is fighting for his life after contracting *Vibrio vulnificus* bacteria from a minor scratch sustained while swimming at a park in Niceville, Florida. Doctors are monitoring the infection, which has already caused severe complications. His siblings were with him during the incident but remain unharmed. The family has warned others about the risks of open wounds in water.
What's confirmed:
- Joziah Thompson, 17, is hospitalized in critical condition after contracting *Vibrio vulnificus* bacteria from a minor scratch on his leg while swimming at a park in Niceville, Florida.
- The infection developed within two days of the initial scratch, turning into a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical intervention.
- Thompson was swimming with his siblings when the scratch occurred, but they were not infected.
- Health officials have linked the case to exposure to contaminated water, a known risk factor for *Vibrio vulnificus* infections.
Still unconfirmed:
- Doctors are considering potential amputation due to the severity of the infection.
- The family has raised awareness about the dangers of open wounds in natural water sources.