Flesh-eating bacteria is on the rise in Maryland. Here are some tips to avoid infection.

Key Points:

• The Chesapeake Bay Foundation warns Maryland and Virginia residents about the rise of vibrio vulnificus, a rare "flesh-eating" bacteria found in brackish or salty water, which can cause painful skin infections or illness from improperly cooked seafood.
• Warm water temperatures, driven by climate change and nutrient runoff, are contributing to increased vibrio cases, especially during summer months like August when water temperatures peak.
• Vibrio bacteria thrive in low oxygen conditions and feed on microscopic animals linked to algal blooms caused by nutrient pollution, highlighting the importance of pollution reduction to control its spread.
• The CDC estimates about 80,000 vibrio cases annually in the U.S., with over half linked to contaminated food; precautions include avoiding swimming with open wounds, showering after swimming in natural waters, and properly cooking shellfish.
• Experts advise enjoying local waterways and seafood safely by monitoring wounds, waiting 48 hours after rainfall to swim, and ensuring proper food preparation to minimize infection risk.