Florida health officials are warning residents about Vibrio vulnificus after a Pinellas County resident died from the potentially deadly bacterial infection. Updated Florida Department of Health data identified the resident as one of five people who have died from the organism across the state.

The department reported the Pinellas County death last week. The other fatal cases were confirmed in Bay, Broward, Marion and Palm Beach counties.

Florida health officials have logged 23 infections across the state so far. The five reported deaths equal the total recorded last year, while 19 people died from the bacterial infection in 2024.

Officials have not disclosed the Pinellas County victim’s identity, age or exact location of exposure. They also have not determined whether the infection came from eating raw seafood or exposing an open wound to coastal waters.

Vibrio vulnificus occurs naturally in warm, brackish seawater. Most people develop vibriosis after eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.

The bacteria can also enter the body when cuts or open wounds come into direct contact with marine waters. That exposure route makes wound protection an important precaution for people entering warm saltwater or brackish water.

Healthy people generally experience mild symptoms, but the infection presents much greater danger for those with certain underlying conditions. People with chronic liver disease, kidney disease or weakened immune systems face severe risks.

A bloodstream infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus carries a 50% fatality rate. Studies indicate that people with underlying health conditions are 80 times more likely than healthy individuals to develop bloodstream infections.

Across all infections, approximately 1 in 5 patients dies. Death can sometimes occur within 24 to 48 hours after symptoms begin, while many survivors require treatment in an intensive care unit or undergo limb amputations.

Symptoms depend partly on how the bacteria enter the body. Swallowing Vibrio vulnificus can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.

Exposure through an open wound can cause severe skin infections, ulcers and blistering lesions. These infections can become especially dangerous if the organism moves into the bloodstream.

Once the bacteria enter the blood, patients may develop high fever, chills and septic shock that threatens their lives. Medical providers need specialized growth media when testing blood, stool or wound cultures to diagnose the infection accurately.

Health officials are urging people to avoid eating raw oysters and other raw shellfish. Thorough cooking is an important safeguard against illness from contaminated seafood.

Shellfish cooked in the shell should be boiled or steamed until the shells open. Officials advise continuing to boil them for five additional minutes or steam them for another nine minutes after opening.

Shucked oysters require specific preparation as well. They should be boiled for at least three minutes or fried at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.

People should also keep open wounds away from warm saltwater, brackish water and juices from raw seafood. Those facing elevated risk should wear protective footwear at beaches to help prevent cuts from shells or rocks.

Officials also advise wearing gloves while handling raw seafood, particularly for people vulnerable to severe infection. The guidance reflects the danger associated with both consuming contaminated shellfish and exposing broken skin to the bacteria.

The information was gathered from official public health data released by the Florida Department of Health and health guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The confirmed Pinellas County death brings Florida’s reported Vibrio vulnificus toll to five.