Officials Warn of Flesh Eating Bacteria on Florida Beaches

The presence of a deadly bacteria in the warm salt waters of Florida's beaches have so far claimed 2 lives this year and also infected 7 people.

According to health officials, most of the cases are reported between the months of May and October as the bacteria are particularly prevalent during summers and grow the fastest at temperatures of 68 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Last year there were 32 reported cases of the virus and 85 percent of them occurred between May and October.

"People can get infected with Vibrio vulnificus when they eat raw shellfish," Florida Health Department spokeswoman Mara Burger said in a statement. "Since it is naturally found in warm marine waters, people with open wounds can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater."

When the bacteria is ingested through contaminated food, it could lead to symptoms like diahrroeha, vomiting and abdominal pain.

If the Vulnificus virus enters the body through an open wound, it could lead to infections where the skin breaks down and may become necrotic - causing the deadly 'flesh eating' symptoms.

The virus can be avoided by thoroughly cooking the shell fish before consumption. People should also avoid cross contaminating cooked foods with raw sea food.

According to the CDC, people with open wounds should stay away from warm saltwater and should also wear protective gear while handling raw shell fish.