Dangerous bacteria lurking Punta Gorda waters

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PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – A Charlotte County man is undergoing intense treatment for Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacteria lurking beneath the surface of the water in Southwest Florida.

Bill Mango is the first person to contract the infection this year in Southwest Florida. WINK News is waiting for test results to find out if a second person is also infected.

Mango took a trip to the Ponce De Leon Park to kayak, but he didn’t realize it would be the last time he could kayak for months.

“I was feeling funny, got the shakes, and my legs started swelling up, got a rash so I went to the emergency room,” said Mango.

Mango cut his ankle on rocks, allowing the infection to enter his body.

Health officials say people may need to think twice before going for a swim in warm salt water with a fresh cut. Typically those who are infected have a weakened immune system. It can also be contracted by eating raw oysters or shellfish from infected water.

So far this year, there’s been 10 deaths from 22 confirmed cases of Vibrio throughout Florida.

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