The Florida Department of Health has issued a warning to residents and visitors to avoid flooding as cases of flesh-eating bacteria continue to rise in the wake of hurricanes hitting the Gulf Coast.
In a press release, officials said there is an increased risk of infection with Vibrio viruses such as Vibrio vulnificus, which can be life-threatening.
Data from the federal health department shows 70 cases of Vibrio bacteria were reported in 2024, causing 11 deaths. Compared to the 2022 numbers, the numbers are the same as when Hurricane Ian hit Collier and Lee counties, reports FOX 13 in Tampa.
The increase in cases in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties, the Department of Health noted, is due to the effects of hurricanes Helene and Milton.
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A member of a water rescue team walks through floodwaters in a residential area after Hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
According to the health department, Vibrio bacteria are commonly found in warm coastal waters and can cause illness when ingested or when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water.
“After heavy rains and floods, the concentration of these bacteria may increase, especially in areas with brackish and salty water,” said the Department of Health.
Officials said people with compromised immune systems, liver disease or open wounds are at higher risk for Vibrio vulnificus.
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In this aerial view, a person walks through floodwaters that hit a neighborhood after Hurricane Milton made landfall on October 10, 2024, in Punta Gorda, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of ​​Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
If a person has contracted it, they may have diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, chills, rapid heartbeat, confusion or disorientation.
The Department of Health recommends that anyone with these symptoms after being exposed to flooding seek immediate medical attention.
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This Scanning Electron Micrograph Sem Shows Flagellated Vibrio Vulnificus Bacterium. (BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images)
To avoid contracting flesh-eating bacteria, the health department suggests not swimming in flood water, stagnant water, sea water or salt water, and covering cuts and open wounds with waterproof bandages.
Along with the increase in life-threatening bacteria, FOX 13 reported that scientists are looking at an increase in Karenia brevis, also known as the algae that produces red tide, along the Gulf Coast.
After Hurricane Milton made landfall in Sarasota, satellites began to detect significant levels of chlorophyll, which can cause red tide events.
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Although the venom has the potential to cause respiratory symptoms, exposure to Karenia brevis is not known to be fatal to humans, although it can be harmful to marine life.
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