Florida heath officials issued new warnings Monday on the flesh-eating bacteria found in seawater that have already killed more than 11 people.
Called Vibrio vulnificus, the bacteria strain thrives in warm saltwater. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Vibrio vulnificus can also cause an infection of the skin when open wounds are exposed to warm seawater; these infections may lead to skin breakdown and ulcers.
So far this year, at least 11 Floridians have contracted Vibrio vulnificus and two have died, according to the most recent state data, abcnews.com reports. In 2013, 41 people were infected and 11 died.
Most people who contract a Vibrio vulnificus infection recover with the help of antibiotics, but severe skin infections may require surgery and amputation, according to the CDC, abcnews.com also reports. People with weakened immune systems are also at risk for blood infections, which are fatal about 50 percent of the time.
Health officials are urging Floridians to thoroughly cook oysters, either by frying, stewing, or roasting to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses in the meat.
State health officials also said they are monitoring the situation.
