What to Know About the ‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria That Killed Someone in Florida

A Florida resident has died from an infection of Vibrio vulnificus, a type of “flesh-eating” bacteria that thrives in warm coastal waters. It is the first reported death linked to the bacteria this year in the U.S. Florida has the highest rate of Vibrio vulnificus infections in the country. Twelve Vibrio vulnificus infections have been reported in Florida this year, and the one death occurred in Palm Beach County, according to data from the state’s health department. The person was in their 80s, NBC 6 reported. Florida’s health department told TIME that it is investigating the case, but wouldn’t provide additional details, including how the person became ill. Vibrio vulnificus is part of the Vibrio genus of bacteria, a group of water-loving pathogens that includes the bug that causes cholera. Vibrio vulnificus infections are much rarer than cases of cholera globally, but they’re much more likely to be fatal. About 1 in 5 people who are infected with Vibrio vulnificus die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming sick, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How do you get a Vibrio vulnificus infection?Vibrio vulnificus can sicken people in different...