The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has reported the second death due to Vibrio vulnificus in the state this year. The case occurred in Brevard County and officials are still investigating how the individual contracted the bacterium.

Florida map/National Atlas of the United States
Florida map/National Atlas of the United States

The other fatality reported this year was in Orange County.

To date, DOH has reported 17 cases, including the two fatalities.

LISTEN: Vibrio vulnificus: An interview with Dr Judy Stone

Last year, Florida reported 46 cases, including 10 deaths.

Vibrio vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat contaminated seafood or have an open wound that is exposed to warm seawater containing the bacteria. Ingestion of Vibrio vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Vibrio vulnificus can also cause an infection of the skin when open wounds are exposed to warm seawater; these infections may lead to skin breakdown and ulcers.

Healthy individuals typically develop a mild disease; however, Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease.

The bacterium can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe and life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock) and blistering skin lesions. Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50 percent of the time. A recent study showed that people with these pre-existing medical conditions were 80 times more likely to develop Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections than healthy people.

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