Pinellas County Resident Dies from Vibrio Vulnificus; Florida's Fifth Fatality This Year

A Pinellas County resident died from Vibrio vulnificus, health officials confirmed. This fatality brings Florida's death toll from the bacterium to five this year, according to updated data released by the Florida Department of Health.

Vibrio vulnificus, often called "flesh-eating bacteria," thrives in warm, brackish seawater. Residents should understand the risks associated with this bacterium, especially those with open wounds or compromised immune systems. The infection can lead to severe illness, including wound infections, bloodstream infections, and gastroenteritis, with a high fatality rate if it enters the bloodstream.

The Florida Department of Health reported last week that the Pinellas County resident was among five individuals who died from Vibrio vulnificus across the state. Other fatal cases occurred in Bay, Broward, Marion, and Palm Beach counties. The state has logged 23 total infections so far this year. This matches last year's total of five deaths, though 19 people died from the bacterial infection in 2024.

Health officials have not released details regarding the Pinellas County victim's identity, age, or exact location of exposure. It remains unknown whether the infection resulted from eating raw seafood or exposing an open wound to coastal waters. Individuals can contract vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, or through direct exposure of open wounds to marine waters.

While healthy individuals typically experience mild symptoms, the infection poses severe risks to people with chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or weakened immune systems. Bloodstream infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus carry a 50% fatality rate. Studies indicate people with underlying health conditions are 80 times more likely to develop bloodstream infections than healthy individuals. Roughly 1 in 5 infected patients die, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours of symptoms starting. Many surviving patients require intensive care unit treatment or limb amputations.

To protect yourself, health officials urge everyone to avoid raw oysters and raw shellfish. Cook shellfish thoroughly by boiling or steaming them in the shell until they open, then continue boiling for five additional minutes or steaming for nine minutes. Shucked oysters require boiling for at least three minutes or frying at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Keep open wounds out of warm saltwater, brackish water, and raw seafood juices. High-risk individuals should wear protective footwear on beaches to avoid cuts from shells or rocks and wear gloves when handling raw seafood.