Flesh-eating bacteria are devouring limbs in warming waters worldwide − here’s how to protect yourself

_Vibrio vulnificus_ infections are spreading across the U.S. because of climate change CDC/Colorized by James Gathany

Flesh-eating bacteria sounds like the premise of a bad horror movie, but it’s a growing – and potentially fatal – threat to people in the U.S. and beyond.

Vibrio vulnificus, a type of flesh-eating bacteria that thrives in warm seawater, is once again threatening the safety of beachgoers and raw shellfish enthusiasts. To date, Louisiana has reported nine cases, with five fatalities, and Florida has reported 14 cases, with two fatalities. As of late June, Maryland has reported 72 cases.