A flesh-eating bacteria is invading Florida waters, killing two people and infecting eight, according to The Florida Department of Health. The flesh-eating bacteria, also called vibro vulnificus, is reportedly a bacteria thriving in warm seawater.

The two deaths reportedly occurred in Brevard and Marion counties, with most cases usually occurring along Gulf Coast states.

Like Us on Facebook

"Of the two, one patient had raw seafood exposure and one had multiple exposures prior to onset of symptoms," Spokesperson Maras Burger of the Florida Health Department said.

Authorities warned the public of the bacteria as the summer season brings a rise in the seawater's temperatures. The flesh-eating bacteria thrives between temperatures of 68 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, according to The Standard Daily.

Infection comes in two forms: through consumption of raw shellfish carrying the flesh-eating bacteria and wading inside infected waters with an open wound.

The Examiner reported state officials saying that the infection can be prevented by cooking shellfish thoroughly before eating and avoid entering waters when cuts or scrapes are present.

Florida, Maryland, and other Gulf Coast states report the highest infection rates of the flesh-eating bacteria in the United States yearly. In 2014 alone, Florida has had 32 infections of vibrio vulnificus and seven deaths.

Every year, the department issues warnings before the summer season begins.

An analysis from the Centers for Disease Control said that infections of over 85 percent take place between May and October when seawater is at its warmest.

"Ingestion of Vibrio vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The bacterium can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe and life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock) and blistering skin lesions," according to a statement from the The Florida DOH.

Experts also said that skin infections from the flesh-eating bacteria may become severely painful, with some severe cases often requiring limb amputations.

If it progresses to the life-threatening stage, the bacteria can kill those it infects, in particular those with prior compromised immune systems, health officials said.

On the other hand, healthy individuals usually develop only mild cases of the flesh-eating bacteria, according to The Silver Ink.

Tagsflesh-eating bacteria florida, Flesh eating bacteria, Florida, vibro vulnificus, Flesh eating bacteria, Centers for Disease Control, CDC, florida department of health, Maryland