(CNN) -- You've likely heard of a "flesh-eating bacteria" hitting Florida and other states this summer. While the bacteria are real, public health officials say the "flesh-eating" part is not. Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium that lives in warm saltwater and infects humans through the consumption of undercooked shellfish and skin wounds. Four infections have been reported in Texas so far this year, along with 13 in Florida, six in Maryland and 10 in Mississippi. In extreme cases, the bacteria can lead to blood infections (half of which are fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), possible amputation and blistering skin lesions.
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Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium that lives in warm saltwater
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Infected high-risk groups can experience blistering skin lesions, blood infections, death
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Although rare, infections need immediate medical attention if symptoms present
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Cook shellfish properly and avoid going into saltwater with wounds
For those concerned about the safety of their summer vacation spot, states that typically report the most infections are @placeholder, Texas and Maryland.