According to Florida Health, the natural habitat of the Vibrio Vulnificus bacterium is warm, brackish seawater because it requires salt to function. Bacteria generally multiply faster during the warm season.
Infections are rare, but health officials say people with open wounds, cuts or scrapes should stay out of the water.
Five people have died from reported bacterial infections this year, including two in Hillsborough County and one in Pasco, Polk and Sarasota counties. Since January, 26 cases of Vibrio Vulnificus infection have been reported in Florida.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that some Vibrio vulnificus infections lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a serious infection in which flesh around an open wound dies. Flesh-eating bacteria can also cause skin breaks and ulcers.
