Vibrio vulnificus is a halophilic, motile, Gram-negative bacillus capable of causing severe to life-threatening infection in susceptible individuals. The spectrum of illness can vary from gastroenteritis to ‘primary sepsis’ and necrotizing fasciitis. The case-fatality rate has been reported to exceed 50% in primary sepsis. Infection may result from consuming or handling contaminated seafood (usually shellfish such as oysters) or from exposing open wounds or broken skin to contaminated salt or brackish water.1–5