The scorching summer makes you head to the ocean, but be on guard before you venture into troubled waters! The mischievous element during this season that causes the trouble is a specific bacteria strain found in shellfish in summer.

Swimming in local ocean waters can now get hazardous as a dangerous bacterial strain; Vibrio Vulnificus inhabits the shellfish and is capable of infecting Gulf swimmers through open wounds. Also, consuming shellfish caught from the Gulf could lead to the viral infection.

Vibrio Vulnificus causes most of its infections through the months of May and October as it thrives in water temperatures between 68 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit especially in the warm saltwater of Florida beaches.

The CDC recommends abstaining from consuming the shellfish raw. It is advised to wear protective clothing when handling raw shellfish. Quite obviously, one should also avoid swimming through saltwater with an open wound.

Its surely a reason to worry as in 2015 the bacteria has already engulfed seven people, with two losing their life. The 2013-2014 data of Florida Department of Health reports the rare virus infecting 54 people in the state and claiming 14 lives.

This bacterium, commonly called the 'flesh-eating', rather causes blood infections that eventually become necrotic ulcers and damages organs.

Therefore, anyone who is suspected to have contracted the bacteria should seek immediate medical attention and take an antibiotic course because if this infection is not treated rapidly it can necessitate the amputation of the affected area to save the life of the victim.