A fourth person in Florida has died this year from Vibrio vulnificus, a “flesh-eating” bacteria.
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The latest death occurred in Broward County to someone between the ages of 75 and 79, and it remains unclear how they contracted the infection.
Three other deaths were reported in Palm Beach, Bay, and Marion counties.
A total of 21 cases have been confirmed in Florida this year, with the bacteria typically found in warm, brackish seawater.
Exposure to Vibrio vulnificus can occur through eating contaminated oysters, consuming raw or undercooked seafood, or entering contaminated water with an open wound.
Severe infections can be fatal about 50% of the time.
Louisiana has reported 15 cases and six deaths this year, Texas typically sees an average of 33 cases per year, and Mississippi reported three cases as of August.
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