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Shark observations are standing this year; However, there is another threat hiding in the deep blue waters of our oceans. This summer, public health services across the country report a high number of Vibrio vulnificus On public beaches and tourist hot spots, including Santa Monica Pier. Many beaches are currently under water quality advice and have closed their waters for swimming. Continue to read to find out more about eaten flesh bacteria and their potentially fatal symptoms.

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Health managers see an upward trend in vibrio cases across the United States.

Cases of Vibrio vulnificus Have climbed in the United States for several years. The trend has prompted health officials to evacuate public beaches and prohibit swimming in certain coastal waters, as exposure puts humans at an increased risk of illness and even death.

There are "growing trends [of vibrio] throughout the country" and "it's something that really concerns us", " Antarpreet Jutl A, Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering Sciences at the University of Florida, who is doing research on Vibrio bacteria, told NBC News .

Vibrio vulnificus (or vibrio to be short) is described as a bacteria "eaten flesh" because "it can cause" necrotizing fasciitis ", which is an infection that makes a flesh die around an open wound", as Best life previously explain .

The bacteria are naturally found in salt water, fresh water and brackish water (a mixture of the two). However, they can multiply in "high numbers in May to October, When water temperatures are warmer ", According to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It is estimated that 80,000 cases of vibriosis occur each year in the United States. The CDC says that 52,000 of these impacts are due to eating contaminated foods, like oysters .

Vibrio infection can cause aqueous diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. If someone contacts Vibrio via an open wound, they can also feel redness, pain, swelling, heat, discoloration and discharge near the infected area.

There was 11 cases of Vibrio reported In Florida only this year, four of which resulted in death. In 2023, residents of Connecticut and New York were infected with the virus and died, Best life reported at the time.

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Some believe that the increase in vibrio infections is due to climate change.

While Vibrio is naturally found in coastal waters, the rise in temperatures can cause proliferation and cause bacterial levels dangerous for human exposure. The United States has undoubtedly experienced an unprecedented number of waves of heat and natural disasters in recent summers. This creates the ideal reproductive ground for Vibrio, which "prosperous following storms", in particular Forbes .

In Florida, more than half of vibrio infections in 2024 were linked to Hurricane Helene. The state reported more than 83 cases that year.

"These infections show that the mortality induced by the hurricane is considerably sub -count - and Vibrio vulnificus poses a growing threat and climate -oriented," warned Forbes .

A study published in the journal Scientific relationships noted that Vibrio infections "increased by eight" between 1988 and 2018.

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There are also other water quality tips to monitor.

Vibrio is not the only bacteria harmful to infiltrating the most popular beaches in America this summer.

In a July 11 press release , the Public Health Department of the County of Los Angeles (Lacdph) urged the public "to avoid swimming, surfing and playing" in the waters of the ocean in a handful of public beaches "due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards".

Their list includes the tourist tourist point Santa Monica Pier, which has an average of 10 million visitors each summer. The Lacdph has issued more than 20 reviews on the quality of the ocean water since June.

As of July 14, the Massachusetts Ministry of Public Health closed 20 beaches Due to "bacterial overcoming . ""

In New York, three beaches are Swimming for swimming , and a beach club in Westchester is under a "opinion of water quality". Four public beaches closed in Illinois after having tested "high levels of dangerous bacteria", reported ABC 7 Chicago .

North Caroline health officials have has issued a advice warning as water quality For Lake Norman, where the waters were tainted with cyanobacteria flowers. It has a "bright green" appearance, but can become "milky blue" and develop a "strong and nauseating smell" during the decomposing scene.

Before hitting the beach, see the local public health service files for all potential opinions of water quality. If you think you have swarmed or accidentally ingested from contaminated freshwater, consult a health supplier immediately.