In the Gulf Coast region, a bacterium found in warm seawater has caused several deaths. At least seven people have been killed, including two in Florida. The bacterium can infect people through open wounds or by consuming raw shellfish.

Nationwide, the infection is often deadly, with a significant percentage of cases resulting in death. A person who survived the infection shared their experience of severe pain after hurting their foot in coastal waters. Further information on the bacterium and how to protect oneself is available from officials and health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.