Port St. Joe, Florida — What began as a fishing trip in Florida’s coastal waters turned into a months-long medical nightmare for Ben West, after a potentially deadly bacteria entered his body through a small wound near his ankle.
West, a 38-year-old father, was fishing in Port St. Joe in late August 2025. Aware of the risks associated with coastal water, he wore tall boots while fishing.
But the protection ultimately did not prevent an infection. According to West and his wife, Janie West, the boots rubbed against his ankle and created a raw area where Vibrio vulnificus was able to enter.
Within a short time, West began experiencing severe symptoms.
‘My Leg Felt Like It Was on Fire’
Janie described the early stages of the infection as terrifying. She said West complained of intense burning in his foot and ankle, followed by dramatic swelling. West described the pain as unlike anything he had experienced before.
“It was the worst pain he’s ever felt,” Janie wrote, adding that he repeatedly told her his leg felt like it was on fire.
The swelling continued to worsen, eventually causing his infected leg to become as much as eight times larger than his other leg. The pain did not disappear even after aggressive treatment began. Janie later described the sensation as resembling electric shocks occurring throughout the day.
Doctors Performed Six Surgeries to Save His Leg
West went to the hospital two days after his fishing trip. Initially, however, he was reportedly diagnosed with cellulitis and given antibiotics intended to treat that condition rather than the specific infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus.
According to his wife, West’s condition deteriorated extremely quickly.
He eventually required a ventilator and underwent three surgeries within several days as doctors attempted to remove infected tissue and prevent the bacteria from spreading further.
West later underwent additional procedures, bringing the total number of surgeries to six. Doctors removed large amounts of damaged tissue in an effort to save his limb.
“They go in with a laser, and they cut the meat, cut the tissue out to try to get ahead of the bacteria because there’s nothing to stop,” West explained.
Infection Appeared to Improve Before Returning
By September 2025, doctors reportedly believed they had controlled the infection enough to avoid amputation. They proceeded with skin grafts to cover areas where tissue had been removed. Janie said West ended up with more than 300 staples, along with stitches holding the grafts in place.
But the recovery remained difficult.
Over the following months, West underwent additional surgeries to remove accumulated fluid and continued extensive physical therapy and painful wound care.
Eventually, wounds that had previously closed began reopening. Holes appeared along the infected leg, leaving West facing renewed complications after nearly a year of treatment.
Why Vibrio vulnificus Is Called ‘Flesh-Eating’
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria commonly found in coastal and brackish water, particularly during warmer months. It can enter the body through an open cut or wound, as West believes happened during his fishing trip.
The bacteria can cause a rapidly progressing infection known as necrotizing fasciitis, in which tissue around the infection dies. That is why severe infections are sometimes described as involving “flesh-eating” bacteria.
The infection can also enter the bloodstream and become life-threatening, potentially causing fever, chills, skin lesions and dangerously low blood pressure.
The bacteria can also infect people who eat raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, according to health officials.
Florida Continues to See Vibrio Cases
Florida has historically recorded more Vibrio vulnificus infections than any other state. According to the information provided, 14 cases have been reported in Florida this year, including two deaths. Five people in the state died from the infection last year.
Health officials along the Gulf Coast have warned residents about the risks associated with warm coastal waters and raw seafood. People with cuts or broken skin are especially vulnerable when entering seawater or brackish water.
West Chooses Amputation After Months of Pain
After roughly 10 months of treatment, West reportedly felt that his recovery had reached a standstill. Janie said his recent pain had become even worse than during the beginning of the infection.
Daily wound care alone could take more than an hour, involving removing bandages, cleaning the leg and rewrapping it. West ultimately decided that removing the leg below the knee offered the best chance of regaining his quality of life.
His wife said the amputation was planned for this week, with West hopeful that he can eventually become mobile without the constant pain and medical complications.
For now, the family is taking the recovery one day at a time.
How to Protect Yourself From Vibrio
Health officials recommend taking precautions around coastal and brackish water, especially when you have cuts, wounds or broken skin.
People should avoid exposing open wounds to seawater or brackish water and wash any wound thoroughly if it comes into contact with potentially contaminated water.
Shellfish should also be cooked thoroughly, and people should wash their hands after handling raw shellfish or shells.
West’s experience highlights how quickly a seemingly minor wound can become a serious medical emergency, particularly when a dangerous bacteria is involved.
Have you ever had a serious infection after spending time in coastal water? Share your experience or thoughts in the comments below.
