The culprit, Vibrio vulnificus, thrives in warm seawater and can get into the body through open wounds in the skin.

In Florida, four people have died this year after they were exposed to Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but deadly bacteria found in warm coastal waters.

Four people in Florida have died from Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria found in warm seawater, with 11 cases reported across counties like Bay, Hillsborough, Broward, and St. Johns, per the Florida Department of Health.