Flesh-eating bacteria kill at least 7 along Gulf Coast. How to protect yourself.

At least seven people have died along the United States Gulf Coast after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, a rare and deadly bacterium commonly referred to as flesh-eating bacteria. The organism thrives in warm coastal waters and poses a fatal risk to individuals who enter the water with open wounds or consume raw shellfish.

As concern grows for swimmers in the region, health authorities are advising the public on preventative measures to avoid infection. The bacteria's ability to enter the body through minor cuts or ingestion highlights the ongoing health risks associated with swimming and eating seafood in warm marine environments.