With horror stories of flesh-eating bacteria viruses sweeping the nation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has closed the Ragland Bottom day use beach at Center Hill Lake in Smithville due to high bacteria levels in the water.

Signs have been posted and caution tape placed to warn the public not to swim at this location, which is a common spot for Warren County residents to gather.

Rising water temperatures across the globe may be to blame for the increase in the bacteria in our waters. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggested rising water temperatures are responsible for the increase in previously rare water viruses.

Carolyn Fleming of Ellenton, Fla., died of a flesh-eating bacteria infection, which she contracted swimming off the coast of Anna Maria Island in Florida, her family says.

The deadly infection, called necrotizing fasciitis, is believed to be on the rise because of climate change. 

Necrotizing fasciitis is a skin infection caused by rare bacteria that enters the body through a break in the skin. From this opening, the bacteria aggressively attacks muscles and other organs resulting in rapid destruction of the tissues. 

Necrotizing fasciitis can quickly develop. If not treated promptly with antibiotics, the infection can become fatal. So far, fatal reactions have been rare.