FOLEY, Ala. (WPMI) The Baldwin County Health Department is reporting two confirmed cases of patients being treated for the Vibrio vulnificus illness also known as the "flesh eating bacteria." One of those cases is being treated at the South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Foley.

The victim's wife, JoAnn Buck, say it all started with a serving of a dozen raw oysters. It's a well-known fact that the Vibrio bacteria thrives in warmer waters.

This is why eating raw oysters may not be safe for some people. This was the case for one Georgia couple on vacation, in Orange Beach last week.

The couple and one local hospital confirm that 64-year-old Leonard Buck of Deluth, Georgia is being treated for the bacteria. Local 15 News spoke to buck's wife, Joann Buck, from their hospital room in Foley.

"They say don't eat raw oysters but your perception that is you come down, you are on vacation you love raw oysters," said JoAnn Buck.

Eating oysters can be a big part of a Gulf Coast vacation for some. In early July we featured local Doctor Lee Eslava, who reminded those with previous conditions to avoid the warmer waters if they had cuts or had any intention of eating raw oysters.

"If you are diabetic, or you have liver disease, or if your immune system is compromised, you are a cancer patient on treatment or a patient who has a skin condition and taking special meds," said Eslava.

Leonard Buck is a cancer survivor with a compromised liver.

"He still has a lot of health issues. He is immune- compromised," said JoAnn Buck.

The bacteria is now contained after four surgeries and almost losing a leg.

"He had to sign a consent form for surgery. They decided while he was in the operating room that if they had to amputate his leg they needed free reign to do that," said JoAnn Buck.

Leonard Buck did not lose his leg. He is recovering tonight at the Foley hospital.

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