Florida health officials report fifth Vibrio vulnificus death in Pinellas County

The Florida Department of Health said a resident of Pinellas County has died from Vibrio vulnificus, the fifth fatal case reported in the state this year. The other deaths occurred in Bay, Broward, Marion and Palm Beach counties. State officials have recorded a total of 23 infections across Florida, matching last year’s death count but exceeding the 19 deaths reported in 2024.

Details about the Pinellas County victim, including age, identity and the circumstances of exposure, have not been released. Health officials have not confirmed whether the infection was linked to consuming raw seafood or to an open wound contacting coastal waters.

Vibrio vulnificus thrives in warm, brackish seawater and is commonly contracted by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, or through skin contact with contaminated water. While healthy people may experience mild symptoms, the bacterium can cause severe illness in individuals with liver disease, kidney disease or weakened immune systems. Bloodstream infections from the bacteria have an estimated 50% fatality rate, and about one in five infected patients die, often within 24 to 48 hours of symptom onset.

Health officials advise the public to avoid raw oysters and other raw shellfish, recommending thorough cooking methods such as boiling or steaming shells until they open and continuing cooking for several minutes. People with open wounds should keep them out of warm saltwater and raw seafood juices, and high-risk individuals are urged to wear protective footwear on beaches and gloves when handling raw seafood.