(FOX NEWS) – Five people are confirmed dead in the Tampa Bay area because of a flesh-eating bacterium known to lurk at beaches, Florida officials reported.
According to Florida Health, the Vibrio vulnificus bacterium’s natural habitat is in warm, brackish seawater because it requires salt to live. The bacteria typically grow more quickly in warmer months.
Infections are rare, but health officials say those with open wounds, cuts or scrapes should stay out of the water.
