Flesh-eating bacteria spreads across Southern states

Flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus is spreading across five southern states, causing nine deaths this year. The bacteria thrives in warm, salty waters and enters the body through open wounds or consumption of raw shellfish. Symptoms can rapidly progress to severe illness. Vibrio vulnificus cases are increasing, potentially due to rising ocean temperatures and flooding, with immunocompromised individuals at higher risk.