Florida is reporting a spike in cases of flesh-eating bacteria following recent hurricanes

TAMPA, Fla. – Data from the Florida Department of Health shows that cases of flesh-eating bacteria saw an unusual spike following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

According to the Department of Health, 70 cases with 11 deaths have been reported so far in 2024 – numbers similar to 2022, when Hurricane Ian damaged Collier and Lee counties.

The health department attributed an increase in cases in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties to the impact of recent hurricanes.

Vibrio vulnificus typically lives in warm seawater, but may pose an increased risk if pushed inland by tropical cyclones.

Despite the apparent increase in coastal communities, infections are still considered extremely rare.

According to the health department, infections can occur from eating contaminated shellfish or from open wounds exposed to water.

Satellite data shows increasing red tide threat to Florida’s Gulf Coast

To reduce the risk of infection, health authorities advise against consuming raw oysters or shellfish and not exposing open wounds to standing water.

“Healthy people usually develop mild illness; However, Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious problem for people with weakened immune systems, especially those with chronic liver disease,” the Florida Department of Health said. “The bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause a serious and life-threatening illness with symptoms such as fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock), and blistering skin lesions.”

In addition to Vibrio vulnificus, scientists are also monitoring an increase in Karenia brevis — the algae that produces red tide — along the Gulf Coast.

After Hurricane Milton made landfall near Sarasota, satellites detected significant amounts of chlorophyll, which can sometimes be a precursor to the development of red tide events.

The American Lung Association warns that people exposed to the toxins may experience respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, wheezing or shortness of breath.

Unlike Vibrio vulnificus infections, exposure to Karenia brevis is not known to cause human death but can be harmful to marine life.

Helene kills 11 members of the same family after a landslide destroys their community

Between 1988 and 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported receiving information about more than 900 Vibrio vulnificus infections from the Gulf Coast states. But health officials warned that the numbers may be on the low side due to underreporting.

Original source of the article: Florida is reporting a spike in cases of flesh-eating bacteria following recent hurricanes