(NEXSTAR) – In the wake of multiple cases of flesh-eating bacteria in Florida, some people may be wondering what they can do to protect themselves while on vacation or just enjoying a day at the local swimming hole this summer.

There have been 13 confirmed cases and four deaths from "vibrio vulnificus," commonly known as flesh-eating bacteria, in the Sunshine State this year, according to state health officials.

The bacteria isn't confined to Florida, however, and thrives in warm, brackish water along the U.S. coastlines," according to Lyssette Cardona, MD, infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic Florida. Infections can also happen when someone accidentally swallows contaminated water while swimming or from eating shellfish like oysters, clams and mussels.

"Infections with vib

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