Saltwater Danger — Flesh Eating Bacteria

If you fish or swim in saltwater, beware that these ugly little creatures are flesh eating bacteria and they are present in saltwater. According to the Center for Disease Control, Louisiana is considered a danger zone.

It's called Vibrio vulnificus bacteria and it's not really big and green like in the picture and it can be deadly. The Center for Disease Control says it can cause skin infection to open wounds and infections can lead to skin breakdown and ulceration. Blood infections from the bacteria are fatal about 50 percent of the time.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries adds people going in saltwater should carry basic disinfectant for use if the skin is punctured, and to contact a physician if ulceration and rapid swelling occur around the wound area.