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Summerlin Skipworth narrowly survived a flesh-eating bacteria infection after cutting her feet near a boat launch on Alabama's Gulf coast. The single mom contracted Vibrio vulnificus, requiring emergency surgery and a year of antibiotics. Skipworth is sharing her harrowing experience to warn others about the dangers of warm coastal waters and to emphasize trusting one's body. Health officials note a rise in Vibrio cases this summer, linked to warmer ocean temperatures.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.