Flesh-eating bacteria cases in Florida rise after back-to-back hurricanes

The Florida Department of Health issued a warning to residents and guests to keep away from floodwaters as cases of flesh-eating bacteria proceed to rise in the wake of back-to-back hurricanes that ravished the Gulf Coast.

In a press launch, officers mentioned there may be an elevated threat of Vibrio bacterial infections like Vibrio vulnificus, which will be life-threatening.

Data from the state’s well being division exhibits 70 cases of Vibrio bacteria have been reported in 2024, that are liable for 11 deaths. When in comparison with figures from 2022, the stats are much like when Hurricane Ian broken Collier and Lee counties, FOX 13 in Tampa reported.

The rise in cases in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties, the well being division famous, was resulting from impacts from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

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A water rescue workforce member walks by flood waters at an condominium advanced in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla.  (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

According to the well being division, Vibrio bacteria is usually discovered in heat coastal waters and may trigger sickness when ingested or when open wounds are uncovered to contaminated water.

“After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria may rise, particularly in brackish and saltwater environments,” the well being division mentioned.

Officials mentioned people with compromised immune techniques, liver illness or open wounds are at larger threat for Vibrio vulnificus.

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In this aerial view, an individual walks by flood waters that inundated a neighborhood after Hurricane Milton got here ashore on October 10, 2024, in Punta Gorda, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key space of Florida, inflicting injury and flooding all through Central Florida.  (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

If contracted, a person could expertise diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ache, chills, a faster coronary heart fee, confusion or disorientation.

The well being division suggests anybody experiencing these signs after being uncovered to floodwaters search medical consideration instantly.

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This Scanning Electron Micrograph Sem Depicts A Flagellated Vibrio Vulnificus Bacterium. (BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images)

To keep away from contracting the flesh-eating bacterial an infection, the well being division suggests not swimming in floodwaters, standing water, seawater or brackish water, and to cowl open cuts and wounds with waterproof bandages.

Along with a rise in life-threatening bacteria, FOX 13 reported that scientists are monitoring for a rise in Karenia brevis, also referred to as the algae that produces purple tide, alongside the Gulf Coast.

After Hurricane Milton made landfall in Sarasota, satellites started to detect important ranges of chlorophyll, which might set off purple tide occasions.

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While the toxins have the power to trigger a person to have respiratory signs, publicity to Karenia brevis is just not recognized to end result in human demise, although it may be detrimental to marine life.