Local health officials yesterday confirmed another case of the potentially deadly Vibrio Vulnificus, loosely referred to as the “flesh eating bacteria.”

A statement yesterday revealed that the victim was an elderly person.

How the victim was infected was not revealed.

This is the second case of the potentially deadly bacteria confirmed in The Bahamas.

The first was reported earlier this month.

According to Dr. Gomez, the victim in this case was one of about 10 people who were visiting Andros on a hunting trip. It is believed the individual contracted the disease while standing in brackish water.

The individual was admitted to a private hospital for treatment.

According to health officials, infection usually occurs after the consuming raw whelks and similar shellfish such as oysters, clams and mussels.

The bacteria requires saltwater to survive.

Persons with weakened immune systems with open wounds are at greatest risk for infections as they can be exposed through direct contact with seawater containing the organism….

Officials said there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

Symptoms include vomiting, and/or diarrhea, fever or shock.