Florida is a state known for its miles of gorgeous beaches, luxurious palm trees, warm weather, and, of course, its amazing theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Every year, millions of guests travel to the Sunshine State, looking to relax, sometimes escape the cold weather, and just have a good time.Unfortunately, even in a place that might look and feel like paradise, dangers lurk in the shadows. Travelers need to be aware of these dangers so they can make safe decisions while on vacation.Credit: DisneyRelated: Urgent Safety Warning Issued to All Disney World Guests Effective TodayWhile Florida’s beaches and waterways might look gorgeous and draw people in, there is a dangerous and potentially deadly virus living in those waters, and it has already killed multiple people.According to reports, four people have already died, and another seven have been sickened by the virus Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium that thrives in both saltwater and brackish water. Brackish water is water that sits between saltwater and freshwater in terms of salinity.So far this year, the number of deaths and people sickened by the virus is lower than last year, but last year’s numbers were inflated due to the state being hit by back-to-back hurricanes, Milton and Helene.Credit: National Hurricane CenterRelated: National Weather Service Deems All Disney World and Universal Parks in Severe “WARNING” ZoneThe Vibrio virus naturally lives in coastal waters, which can make things like eating raw or undercooked shellfish very dangerous. The virus can live in shellfish and concentrate, particularly in raw oysters.Multiple restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort feature seafood on the menu, including The BOATHOUSE, California Grill, Cape May Café, Flying Fish, Paddlefish, Narcoossee’s, and more. So, if you are looking to dine at one of these incredible eateries, it is important to be aware of what consumption of some shellfish could mean.If you do decide to enjoy raw oysters at a place like The BOATHOUSE, you can be sure that Disney’s chefs have done everything to ensure that they are safe to eat. However, there are still steps diners can take before consuming them — mainly smelling them. Oysters that are safe to eat should smell like the ocean; they should not smell fishy or like ammonia. The meat in the oyster should be plump, shiny, and slightly translucent.Credit: The BoathouseRelated: Must-Try Restaurants at Every Disney Park Around the WorldThankfully, most cases of Vibrio vulnificus are relatively minor, with people experiencing gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. However, those who have an open wound, including recent piercings and tattoos, are susceptible to the much more serious effects of the virus.Guests who experience skin blistering and lesions are encouraged to get medical attention immediately. The virus can potentially cause sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis (a flesh-eating bacteria).Disney does everything it can to ensure guests eat safe and healthy food, but it can’t prevent or predict every bad thing that could happen.Do you think Disney restaurants should stop serving things like raw oysters when they pose such a risk? Or should they keep them on the menu and let guests decide for themselves? Have you ever gotten sick after eating at a Disney restaurant? Share your stories with us in the comments!The post Warning to Disney World Travelers – Deadly Disease on the Rise in Florida appeared first on Inside the Magic.