Rare 'Flesh-Eating' Bacteria Kills 4 in Florida: What You Should Know

Florida health officials reported that four people died and over half a dozen others got sick this year from a rare "flesh-eating" bacteria that's becoming more common as oceans warm up.

Vibrio vulnificus, which lives in saltwater, brackish water and contaminated raw seafood, killed four people in four counties across the state and made at least seven others ill, the state's Department of Health announced July 11.

Infection from this bacteria is pretty rare, with only 150 to 200 cases reported each year to the CDC. Cases pop up most often in Gulf Coast states, though research shows it's migrating north as climate change heats up the oceans.

Most People Are Fine, But Some Aren't

Most healthy people exposed to this bacteria only get mild symptoms. But for some folks, it can be deadly - especially if it gets into the bloodstream or starts killing flesh around open wounds.