Multiple Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases Reported at Cape Cod and Louisiana Beaches

A swimmer at Old Silver Beach in Falmouth contracted a rare Vibrio vulnificus infection, which can cause severe illness including flesh-eating disease, prompting health officials to warn the public about the risks of coastal water exposure, especially for vulnerable groups. The bacteria thrive in warm, salty waters, and precautions such as avoiding open wounds in the water are advised to prevent infection.