Pinellas County resident dies from Vibrio vulnificus: FDOH - FOX 13 Tampa Bay

A Pinellas County resident has died from Vibrio vulnificus, according to updated data from the Florida Department of Health.The Florida Department of Health reported last week that a Pinellas County resident is among five people who have died from Vibrio vulnificus in the state. The other four fatal cases were confirmed in Bay, Broward, Marion and Palm Beach counties.Florida health officials have logged 23 total infections across the state so far. The total fatal cases match last year's total of five deaths, while 19 people died from the bacterial infection in 2024.State 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. Vibrio vulnificus thrives naturally in warm, brackish seawater. Most individuals contract vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.