Following back-to-back hurricanes that devastated the Gulf Coast, the Florida Department of Health warned locals and tourists to stay away from flooding as the number of instances of flesh-eating bacteria continues to grow.
Officials stated in a news statement that there is a higher chance of potentially fatal Vibrio bacterial infections, such as Vibrio vulnificus.
According to data from the state’s health department, 11 fatalities and 70 cases of Vibrio bacteria were documented in 2024. The statistics are comparable to those from 2022, when Hurricane Ian ravaged Lee and Collier counties.
The health department pointed to the effects of hurricanes Helene and Milton as the reason for the increase in cases in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties.
The health agency claims that the Vibrio bacteria is frequently found in warm coastal waters and that exposure to contaminated water through open wounds or ingestion can result in disease.
“After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria may rise, particularly in brackish and saltwater environments,” according to the health department.
According to officials, people who have open wounds, liver problems, or weakened immune systems are more susceptible to Vibrio vulnificus.
A person who contracts it may have chills, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, a faster heartbeat, and confusion or disorientation. The health service advises anyone who has been exposed to floodwaters and is experiencing these symptoms to get medical help right away.
The health department recommends covering open wounds and injuries with waterproof bandages and avoiding swimming in floodwaters, standing water, seawater, or brackish water to prevent the flesh-eating bacterial infection.
Scientists are keeping an eye out for an increase in Karenia brevis, the algae that causes red tide, along the Gulf Coast in addition to a spike in potentially fatal bacteria.
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Significant amounts of chlorophyll, which can cause red tide episodes, were detected by satellites following Hurricane Milton’s landfall in Sarasota.
Although exposure to Karenia brevis can harm marine life, it is not known to cause death in humans, even if the toxins can produce respiratory problems in an individual.
