Don't Panic, But There's Flesh-Eating Bacteria in Florida Right Now. Everything You Need to Know.

If you’re heading to Florida soon, there’s something you need to know about that has been proven to be hiding in certain bodies of water.

We’re not here to make you afraid on your trip, but it’s important to be aware of what’s happening no matter where you’re traveling. Reports are coming in that, at the time of writing, flesh-eating bacteria have been found in Florida water and have killed four people in the state. Here’s what you need to know.

According to WESH, Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium found in salt water, has now caused four deaths in Florida, specifically in Hillsborough, Bay, Broward, and St. Johns counties. It has not been revealed where exactly these individuals picked up the bacteria, but health experts warn about the dangers in the water, especially during hurricane season, as it often brings seawater into areas of towns that don’t interact with it, such as other bodies of water.

Overall, 11 infections have been reported across the state. Thankfully, deaths from this bacterium are rare, but they do happen. It can enter the body through open cuts or wounds, or sometimes by eating raw or undercooked seafood. It can develop quickly, so you’ll want to watch out for redness on your skin that begins spreading rapidly over the course of a few hours or a day. At that time, you’ll want to immediately head to the emergency room.