Florida on alert: Cases of flesh-eating bacteria increase after hurricanes

Florida is facing an alarming increase in cases of infections caused by flesh-eating bacteria that can be fatal to humans, following the devastation caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to data from the state’s Department of Health.

Bacteria of the Vibrio vulnificus type, commonly found in warm coastal waters, have multiplied due to the heavy rains and flooding caused by storms, particularly in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties in the Tampa Bay area, reported the Mirror.Co media outlet.

Before Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, Pinellas had not reported any cases of this bacteria, while Hillsborough had one. Now, Pinellas has recorded 13 confirmed cases, and Hillsborough has seven.

Throughout the state, the number of cases has increased dramatically: from the six cases recorded before the hurricane, the figure rose to 24 by the end of September, and since then 38 more have been confirmed, raising the total to 76 so far this year.

People can become infected with Vibrio vulnificus by ingesting contaminated water, exposing open wounds to this water, or by consuming poorly cooked seafood.

Those with weakened immune systems, liver diseases, or open wounds are more prone to suffering serious infections, health authorities warned.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 150 and 200 cases of Vibrio vulnificus are reported annually in the United States, and approximately one in five infected individuals dies, often within one or two days after the onset of symptoms.

In response to Hurricane Milton, the Florida Department of Health issued a statement last week warning residents to avoid flood waters, where bacteria can proliferate rapidly.

The agency recommends not swimming or walking in contaminated waters, and in case of contact, cover any wounds with waterproof bandages and wash thoroughly afterwards.

Also, do not consume food or drinks contaminated with floodwater.

Likewise, disinfecting or boiling water before consuming it for at least a minute is the most effective method to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

This is not the first incident of an increase in infections following hurricanes in Florida.

In 2022, Hurricane Ian also caused a spike, with 29 new cases of Vibrio vulnificus reported in October of that year.