Florida teen fights for his life after contracting flesh-eating bacteria while swimming with siblings (opens original article in a new tab)

A Florida teenager is critically ill in hospital after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria, while swimming. His mother is fundraising for his treatment and pushing for better public awareness of bacterial risks in water.

• A Florida teenager was infected with flesh-eating bacteria after swimming at a park.
• The bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, can cause severe tissue damage and has a 50% mortality rate.
• The teen's mother is fundraising for medical expenses and advocating for better public information on bacteria levels.