A Florida man died after contracting deadly bacteria off Florida coast. The 26-year old man, Cason Yeager died within days after contracting deadly bacteria Vibrio vulnificus while he was swimming south of Pine Island.

The bacteria lives in warm seawater and is part of a group of vibrios that are called halophilic as they require salt. V. vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat contaminated seafood. The bacteria can enter the body through an open wound that is exposed to seawater.

Ingestion of V. vulnificus among healthy people can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can infect the bloodstream, causes a severe and life-threatening illness characterized by fever and chills, decreased blood pressure and blistering skin lesions in persons, particularly those with chronic liver disease.

According to Florida Department of Health spokeswoman Mara Burge, Yeager’s death is Florida’s fourth Vibrio vulnificus fatality this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 35 people died of the disease in 2014.

Man mother, Karen Yeager said, “I’m not telling anyone don’t go into the water. Just do your due diligence and make sure that you’re not going to harm yourself”.

Yeager died almost two weeks ago and his death is the fourth in Florida this year. Since 2010, more than 50 swimmers have died from the bacteria.

Florida has reported 11 cases and five deaths as of today. Broward and Hillsborough Counties have seen two cases a piece, while Brevard, Duval, Lake, Marion, Pasco, Santa Rosa and St. Lucie counties have witnessed one case each.