TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA: Five people in the Tampa Bay area have died after contracting a rare flesh-eating bacteria, which is known to lurk in brackish seawater.

Since January 2023, the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria has led to the deaths of two people in Hillsborough County and one person each in Pasco, Polk, and Sarasota counties.

Florida has recorded a total of 26 cases statewide this year. Additionally, one resident of New York and two residents of Connecticut died due to the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria over the summer, according to Fox Digital.

While infections are believed to be quite rare, health officials are advising people with open wounds to avoid entering the water to reduce any risk.

What is vibrio vulnificus?

Belonging to the family Vibrionaceae, Vibrio vulnificus is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that exclusively affects humans and other primates.

This lethal and opportunistic human pathogen is responsible for the majority of worldwide seafood-associated deaths.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vibrio vulnificus infections can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe illness that causes the skin around an open incision to swell and eventually deteriorate.

The bacteria can invade the bloodstream and cause severe life-threatening symptoms such as low blood pressure, a fever, chills, and blistering skin sores, according to Daily Mail.

Vulnificus is usually found in warm, shallow, coastal salt water in temperate climates throughout most of the world. The rare bacteria can also be contracted by eating raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters.

In 2022, there were 74 total cases and 17 deaths due to the vibrio vulnificus. That year's figures were unusually high because Hurricane Ian released sewage into the ocean, which increased the levels of bacteria.

How to identify vibrio vulnificus?

After the most recent deaths, the New York State Health Department issued guidance to residents last week as to how to identify vibrio vulnificus infections.

Governor Kathy Hochul declared the flesh-eating bacterium "extraordinarily dangerous" and advised her residents to take preventative measures.

"While rare, the vibrio bacterium has unfortunately made it to this region and can be extraordinarily dangerous," Hochul said in a press release.

“As we investigate further, it is critical that all New Yorkers stay vigilant and take responsible precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including protecting open wounds from seawater and for those with compromised immune systems, avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish which may carry the bacteria,” Hochul continued.

An emergency medicine physician also emphasized why it is important to be aware of the vibrio vulnificus bacteria.

"Living in Florida, being around the marine environment, we need to be aware of what it is. Whenever you have a break in the skin and you’re in a marine environment then theoretically you’re at risk," said Dr Eric Shamas, an emergency medicine physician at Bayfront Health St Petersburg.

"It’s very important to keep in mind these severe infections are very rare. If you have wounds, maybe stay out of the water. If you suffer a cut while in the water, just wash it out very thoroughly with soap and water. Monitor your symptoms and follow up with your doctor if you have any questions," he further told WFLA.