A 78-year-old man is the fifth person in Florida this year to die from a Vibrio vulnificus infection, a bacterium referred to as "flesh-eating" because it can destroy skin and muscle tissue.

Newsweek has reached out to Florida's Department of Health via email for comment on Saturday.

Why It Matters

While Vibrio vulnificus infections are rare, Florida saw a surge last year, with the state's Department of Health reporting 82 cases and 19 deaths, largely due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. This year, 16 cases have been reported, with the latest death marking the fifth. CBS News reported 13 confirmed cases, and 8 deaths, citing state health agency officials.

The bacteria typically grows in warm seawater and is part of a group of vibrios known as "halophilic" because they requi

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