A Virginia Beach getaway turned tragic for a Tampa couple after a man died just 13 days after contracting a rare but aggressive infection from Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh‑eating bacterium found in warm coastal waters.
Derek Michael D’Arcy, a 64-year-old pastor and painter, waded into calf‑deep water at the beach while having a cut on his leg, his wife, Joyce, told WTSP.
“It came from our favorite place to go — Virginia Beach was our favorite place to go,” Joyce, a teacher, told the outlet. “It’s just so sad that the best place we like to go is where he got sick.”
Joyce said she noticed a purple strip on Derek’s leg four days after they had been in the water. Derek sent his blood for testing, but by the time it came back positive for Vibrio three days later, the infection had already severely damaged both his legs.
His weakened immune system from being on dialysis likely contributed to how quickly the infection spread, Joyce believes.
The infection worsened so quickly that doctors eventually decided to amputate both of Derek’s legs in an effort to stop the spread. Despite aggressive treatment, the infection spread to his chest, hands, and head.
“We knew we lost the fight,” Joyce said, adding that Derek died about a week later.
Health officials say Vibrio vulnificus naturally occurs in saltwater and brackish coastal environments. Most people encounter it through consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, but it can also infect individuals when bacteria enter open cuts or wounds exposed to contaminated water.
People with weakened immune systems, liver disease, or other chronic conditions are far more vulnerable to serious outcomes from this type of infection.
Anyone with an open wound should avoid entering brackish or salt waters, immediately clean and dress any wounds after exposure, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, redness, swelling, blistering, or pain.
This year, 26 Vibrio cases were confirmed in Louisiana, resulting in five deaths. Most patients had underlying conditions.
In Florida, four people have died from Vibrio vulnificus infections this year.
Nationwide, dozens of cases have been reported, mainly in the South and East Coast.
