PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — Flesh-eating bacteria has killed four people in Florida, including one person in Broward County, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Several years ago, relatives of William Pledger says he was in the bay off Pensacola Beach watching an air show.
Five days later, his leg, which had a small cut on it, started getting sore.
Then things took a turn for the worse as he was diagnosed with vibrio vulnificus which stems from bacteria found in warm coastal water that can cause severe, life threatening infections.
That portion of Pledger’s leg had to be amputated.
Local 10 News spoke to another man who cut a toe on a barnacle in Longboat Key 13 years ago.
After suffering severe pain, he was put into the intensive care unit for 10 days and still has the scars.
Vibrio vulnificus is rare, but it’s on the rise with warmer temperatures.
Health experts say symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin breakdown and blistering.
They also say to avoid warm saltwater or brackish water if you have a weakened immune system or have open cuts or wounds.
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Janine Stanwood
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