PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) — Vibrio vulnificus, or more commonly known as the flesh-eating bacteria, has turned Pensacola local Genevieve Gallagher's life upside down, as she becomes the third recorded case of vibrio from Escambia County.

"It has been the most horrible, tragic thing I've ever gone through," Gallagher said.

Gallagher, her husband, and seven-year-old daughter were enjoying their Sunday in late July at Santa Rosa Sound off Pensacola Beach. Gallagher had never heard of the flesh-eating bacteria and swam in the water without a worry.

Genevieve Gallagher is in the hospital after contracting the 'flesh-eating bacteria.' (Courtesy of Genevieve Gallagher)

"I did have a small cut on my leg that day I went into the water," Gallagher recounted. "However, I had it covered with a waterp

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