At least seven people in Florida have been infected and two have died so far this year from a harmful bacteria that thrives in warm saltwater, a state health official says.

Vibrio vulnificus grows the fastest when the temperature is between 68 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and most cases of infection occur between May and October, ABC News reported.

The bacteria typically causes gastroenteritis, but it can also lead to blood infections, experts say. If it comes in contact with an open wound, the infection kills tissue and life-saving amputations may become necessary.

"People can get infected with Vibrio vulnificus when they eat raw shellfish," Florida Health Department spokeswoman Mara Burger said in a statement Thursday. "Since it is naturally found in warm marine waters, people with open wounds can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater."

Last year, 32 people were infected in Florida and seven of them died, according to the state health department, ABC News reported.