Widow recalls husband’s death from flesh-eating Vibrio after calf-deep water at Virginia Beach

A devastated widow has shared how she lost her husband to a flesh-eating Vibrio infection after he paddled in calf-deep water at Virginia Beach. Joyce D'Arcy and her husband, Derek, visited the popular Virginia coast in August for what they described as a routine vacation. They waded in the water, not even reaching their knees, and returned home believing the trip had been a normal, safe outing. Virginia Beach has long been a favorite getaway for the couple, who considered it their absolute favorite place to go.

Four days after the trip, D'Arcy noticed a purple stripe on her husband's leg. The couple promptly sent Derek's blood for testing, but by the time the test results confirmed Vibrio vulnificus infection three days later, the illness had already spread beyond the initial wound and into both legs. Derek’s medical history included a weakened immune system due to dialysis, a factor D'Arcy believes contributed to the rapid spread of the infection. Doctors determined that amputation of Derek's legs was the only way to halt the infection’s advance. Yet, just 12 hours after surgery, the bacteria had traveled to his chest, hands and head, and the family says the fight was effectively over. Derek died roughly a week later.

The case underscores how quickly Vibrio infections can escalate, even after seemingly innocuous exposures such as paddling in shallow coastal water. Health experts emphasize that Vibrio infections are relatively common in certain seasons and in warmer waters, and many people recover with treatment, though fatalities occur in a notable minority. Cleveland Clinic doctors note that Vibrio infections are more common than people realize, particularly from May through October, when water temperatures are higher and bacteria thrive. Infections can be extremely painful, and in severe cases may necessitate limb amputation to stop the spread of infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in five people infected with Vibrio will die.

The frequency of Vibrio infections has drawn attention in recent weeks as coastal cases have risen. Last month, reports described double-digit increases in Vibrio infections along parts of the Gulf Coast and farther up the Atlantic Coast. Experts attribute the uptick to warming coastal waters, which create optimal conditions for Vibrio bacteria to multiply in water temperatures ranging roughly from 68 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to the Virginia Beach case, other incidents have emerged earlier this month: a mother was left fighting for her life and nearly lost her leg after contracting Vibrio while swimming at Quietwater Beach in Florida, and a father developed a severe infection after a fishing trip that caused swelling and a burning sensation in his foot and ankle, ultimately requiring three surgeries.

Public health officials stress that while most people who contract Vibrio infections survive, the illness can be extremely painful and may lead to amputations in some cases. The risk is higher for people with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions, such as liver disease or those undergoing dialysis, as in Derek’s case. The widow hopes her testimony serves as a warning to others about how quickly this aggressive infection can take hold and to encourage vigilance for any unusual skin changes after water exposure.