As temperatures continue to swelter and people flock to the Gulf Coast to enjoy its warm, salty waters, health officials are warning swimmers about a "flesh-eating" bacteria that has killed at least eight people this summer.
The bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, is commonly associated with the "flesh-eating" moniker thanks to its ability to cause infections that damage or "eat away" at skin and tissue. This year, Louisiana is reporting an abnormally high rate of infection.
"Amid increasing water temperatures and extreme weather events (e.g., heat waves, flooding, and severe storms), people who are at increased risk for V. vulnificus infection (those with weakened immune systems and conditions like liver disease, diabetes and kidney failure) ... should exercise caution when engaging in coastal water activities," said a Louisiana Department of Health warning issued July 30.
Despite a recent uptick in cases, Vibrio vulnificus infections are still rare. Even so, experts have advised that people in coastal areas exercise extra caution while enjoying the waning days of summer. Here's what to know.
Dangerous waters: What to know about the flesh-eating bacteria and brain-eating amoebas
