Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infections Increase in Florida After Hurricanes Helene, Milton
Source: Florida Dept of Health (FDOH)
Flesh-eating bacteria cases (necrotizing fasciitis) have surged in the last few weeks since Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton swept through, according to data from the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). Vibrio vulnificus, a naturally occurring but potentially fatal bacterial infection, thrives in warm floodwaters when hurricanes and tropical storms push brackish water along the coast and into rivers and canals, filling them and low-lying areas with rainwater, pollutants, sewage, and debris.
In southwest Florida, four new cases in Lee County and one in Collier County have been reported -- an "unusual increase" due to the recent hurricanes. In 2022, Lee and Collier counties also experienced a spike in cases due to the impacts of Hurricane Ian.
There have been 37 cases and four deaths reported statewide since mid-Sep 2024, with 13 cases and one death in Pinellas County. The 2024 total of Vibrio vulnificus in Florida is 70 confirmed cases and 11 deaths. In 2023, there were 46 cases all year, and 11 deaths.
Read more: https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/vibrio-infections/vibrio-vulnificus/index.html
If Vibrio vulnificus bacteria infects a person, such as by floodwaters coming in contact with a cut or other open wound, it can cause the skin and soft tissue around the wound to quickly break down. Treatment may require limb amputation to stop the rapid flesh deterioration, and the infection can be fatal.
Nationwide, vibrio bacteria causes an estimated 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths every year, according to the CDC. About 52,000 of these illnesses are believed to come from eating contaminated food, but the bacteria are also often found in flood waters, something Florida has seen a lot of lately.
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Sources:
Vibrio vulnificus | Florida Department of Health (floridahealth.gov)
About Necrotizing Fasciitis | Group A Strep | CDC
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This can happen to anyone who goes into a swamp without wearing hip boots. During a typical storm surge, when swamp water floods into housing developments, for example filling up basements, there's always the chance of humans and animals coming in contact with these awful bacteria.
