%20New%20Logo_4.jpg){kind=small}
Florida Man Loses Leg After Contracting Flesh-Eating Bacteria While Fishing
What started as a family fishing and crabbing trip in Florida quickly became a medical nightmare for Ben West.
In August 2025, the 38-year-old Florida man was fishing with his family near Port St. Joe when he contracted Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause severe wound infections.
More than a year later, West is facing another major chapter in his recovery: the loss of his leg.
His family says the infection changed nearly every part of their lives, from his health and ability to work to the way they approach time in the water.
The Infection Started With a Small Wound
According to West's family, he was fishing and crabbing underneath the Intracoastal Waterway bridge near Port St. Joe on Aug. 23, 2025.
His family says he had an open area on his leg, which they believe allowed the bacteria in. Within days, he began experiencing severe pain, swelling and blistering.
His fiancée, Janie West, told WJHG that his leg became dramatically swollen, eventually appearing several times larger than his other leg. Doctors diagnosed him with a Vibrio vulnificus infection.
The infection progressed rapidly and became life-threatening.
Multiple Surgeries Followed
West was hospitalized in Bay County and underwent a series of surgeries to remove infected and damaged tissue.
According to his family's fundraiser, he ultimately underwent six surgeries during his initial hospitalization, which lasted from Aug. 26 through Sept. 18, 2025.
At one point, doctors were concerned that the infection could force an amputation. His family said physicians were initially fighting to save both his life and his leg.
West survived, but the battle did not end when he left the hospital.
A Year-Long Recovery
For months, West's family continued treating the affected leg at home.
His fiancée documented the recovery in regular updates, describing daily bandage changes, swelling, pain and the physical limitations that followed the infection.
By August 2026, the family said the leg remained severely swollen and continued to cause significant pain and mobility problems.
After another evaluation, West and his doctors determined that amputation was necessary to improve his quality of life, according to the family's fundraiser.
The decision marked another difficult turning point after more than a year spent trying to preserve the limb.
Preparing for Life With a Prosthetic Leg
West's family says he is now focused on healing and eventually learning to use a prosthetic leg.
The transition will involve rehabilitation and a long adjustment period, but the family says West is hopeful that losing the damaged limb will ultimately allow him to regain mobility and live with less pain.
His family has also continued documenting his recovery to raise awareness about the dangers of Vibrio vulnificus, particularly for people who enter coastal waters with open wounds.
His Family Has a Warning for Others
The West family wants other people to understand how quickly a seemingly minor wound can become serious after exposure to contaminated coastal water.
Vibrio vulnificus naturally occurs in warm coastal waters and can cause severe infections when it enters an open wound. People with certain underlying health conditions are at greater risk of serious illness, although West's family says he was otherwise healthy when he became infected.
His family is now urging people to take precautions around coastal waters and avoid entering the water with open cuts or wounds.
A Long Road Still Ahead
West's journey is far from over.
His family has established a fundraiser to help cover the costs associated with his amputation, prosthetic care, medical treatment and everyday living expenses while he remains unable to work.
As he begins rebuilding his life, his family says their focus is on what comes next — healing, rehabilitation and helping West regain his independence.
A family fishing trip changed their lives in a matter of days. More than a year later, they are still learning how to move forward.
Source: Inside Edition
Comments