Bacteria that eat flesh not only in the water

PINELLAS COUNTY, Florida (WFLA) – Concern over flesh-eating bacteria continues to grow ahead of the weekend of July 4th.

The doctors said the bacteria were not just in the water. Vibrio Vulnificus is everywhere, including sand.

James Paldeino took his family to Gandy Beach on Tuesday. He is suspicious, like everyone else, of what is hidden in the water.

The flesh-eating bacteria puts bathers on maximum alert.

"I have a child of 6 months and I absolutely want to make sure, all the time, to be clean and healthy," Paldeino said.

Cases have been reported around the state of Florida and the Tampa Bay area.

A 12-year-old girl, Destiny, almost lost her leg because of necrotizing fasciitis.

According to the Herald Tribune, a bacterium was diagnosed in a woman traveling to Siesta Key Beach in May.

A woman from Orlando had an infection in Sarasota Beach. The doctors managed to catch him before the situation worsened.

Lynn Fleming died after contracting the bacteria last month after visiting Coquina Beach.

But it's not just water that bathers need to be wary of.

"They can be in the sand. They can be on any surface, "said dermatologist Dr. Maria Hicks.

It prevents cuts and scrapes and plans to shave a few days before hitting the sand.

"In case of a break, in case of trauma – it's very easy to happen at the beach or running – so be sure to wash the soap and water," she said.

Medical experts said that people should not be afraid of the beach, but be aware.

"Life is there, and now cases are happening, but that does not mean it's happening to everyone," said Hicks.

The doctors said to check for redness or swelling in the area. If something seems bad or painful, do not hesitate to go to the emergency room because the infection spreads quickly.