A man who was swimming in multiple bodies of water around Edgartown with an open wound on his foot has contracted vibrio vulnificus, a potentially fatal infection, according to Edgartown health officials.

The board of health advised the public on Wednesday of the infection in the 65-year-old man, but said there is no cause for widespread concern.

Vibrio is a group of bacteria found in coastal waters along beaches and brackish ponds. Unlike vibrio parahaemolyticus, which is contracted from consuming contaminated raw shellfish, vibrio vulnificus, can be contracted from swimming with an exposed cut. In severe cases, vibrio vulnificus can result in fatal flesh infections but the bacteria are more often found in warmer waters and is rare in Massachusetts.

“In general, public risk remains minimal for those who do not swim with open wounds, but for people over 65, immunocompromised individuals, or those with liver damage, or pregnant people, or children under five, are generally more susceptible,” said Brice Boutot, Edgartown’s health agent.

The Edgartown board of health tests the water around Edgartown every week. According to a statement released by the board of health, there is no way to monitor vibrio bacteria specifically, but infections from the bacteria are of little concern to people who practice common sense safety.

Safe practices include avoiding swimming or handling raw food with an open wound. The board of health encourages individuals who are experiencing symptoms such as pain, redness, blisters, fever or chills after being exposed to coastal waters to seek medical attention.

“I use this as an opportunity to remind people to practice common sense safety things, such as covering a wound, keeping it clean,” said Mr. Boutot. “Don’t go swimming with an open cut and practice common sense food safety as well.”

Mr. Boutot assured that the risk for individuals remains low and that the health of Edgartown Great Pond, specifically, is better than it has been in the past. Mr. Boutot did not say exactly which bodies of water the man had swam in.