Rising Ocean Temperatures Elevate Flesh-Eating Bacteria Risks for Swimmers

A rare case of Vibrio vulnificus infection, a bacteria that can cause flesh-eating disease, has been confirmed in Cape Cod, prompting health advisories for residents and visitors to take precautions when swimming or consuming shellfish in warm coastal waters, especially for vulnerable groups. The bacteria thrive in warm, salt or brackish waters, and rising temperatures are leading to more cases further north.