How to protect yourself from Vibrio vulnificus, the bacteria found in some coastal waters

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Karrianne Stewart

This combination of photos provided by Karrianne Stewart shows the leg of her husband, Bernie Stewart, in Pensacola, Fla., with a blister at the start of an August 2019 Vibrio infection, and years after decaying tissue was surgically removed. (Karrianne Stewart via AP)

NEW YORK – States are warning beachgoers about a summertime surge in infections from a frightening, flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters.

Vibrio vulnificus are becoming an annual threat along the Gulf Coast and — increasingly — up the Eastern Seaboard.

People should listen to the warnings, said Bernie Stewart, a 65-year-old retired bounty hunter in Florida who counts himself lucky to have survived an infection.

In August 2019, Stewart's right leg was infected while he was kayak fishing