Flesh-eating Bacteria

Most pathogens are harmless or even beneficial, but a few are truly terrifying. Here are some of the most frightening pathogens known to science, listed in no specific order. 

While infections are rare, the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus thrives in Florida's warm, salty waters year-round. To protect yourself from this life-threatening infection, avoid swimming and fishing in brackish water with open wounds or handling and eating raw seafood.