NAPLES, Fla. — Florida has seen a surge of flesh-eating bacteria cases in recent weeks after parts of the state were inundated with heavy rain and flooding due to back-to-back hurricanes, according to state health department data.
There have been 76 cases of Vibrio vulnificus in 2024, according to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health, surpassing the 74 cases in 2022 when Hurricane Ian and other devastating storms hit the state. Of this year’s cases, the data also shows that there have been 13 deaths statewide linked to Vibrio vulnificus infections.
Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring but potentially fatal bacterial infection that thrives in warm floodwaters when hurricanes and tropical storms push a mix of fresh and saltwater upstream into canals and rivers. The water carries pollutants, sewage, and debris.
The bacteria can infect a person with an open wound, such as a cut, and 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.
“While floodwaters are present, there is an increased risk of Vibrio infections, such as Vibrio vulnificus, which can be life-threatening” the state health department warned in a news release before Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, pushing a wall of water ashore and dumping rain across the state.
“Vibriobacteria, commonly found in warm coastal waters, can cause illness when ingested or when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water,” the state health department added. “After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria may rise, particularly in brackish and saltwater environments.”
The Tampa Bay area saw the largest increase of Vibrio vulnificus cases after Hurricane Helene made landfall on Sept. 26 as a Category 4 storm along Florida’s Big Bend region. Before Helene, there were no reported cases in Pinellas County and only one in Hillsborough County.
But as of Sunday, Pinellas County has 14 confirmed cases while Hillsborough County has eight, according to state health department data.
Florida reported six confirmed cases in September before Helene swept through the state but that number rapidly climbed to 23 cases by the end of the month, state health department data shows. Since Helene and Milton, confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus climbed to 38 cases.
Nationwide, about 150 to 200 Vibrio vulnificus cases are reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) each year. About one in five people die from this infection, sometimes within one to two days of becoming ill, according to the CDC.
Where are the cases of flesh-eating bacteria in Florida?
After the recent hurricanes, health officials issued “no swim” advisories until testing could determine bacteria levels at popular beach spots. The advisories in Lee County and at most Collier County beaches were lifted last week after tests showed acceptable bacteria levels based on state guidelines.
Though Vibrio vulnificus normally lives in warm seawater, the surge in cases could stem from earlier infections or contact with bacteria-laden water in canals and other bodies of water.
Here’s a breakdown of the cases per county, according to the Florida Department of Health:
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Alachua County: 2
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Bay County: 1
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Brevard County: 5
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Broward County: 1
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Charlotte County: 4
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Citrus County: 3
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Clay County: 1
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Collier County: 1
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Duval County: 4
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Escambia County: 4
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Hernando: 3
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Hillsborough: 8
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Lee: 5
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Leon County: 1
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Okaloosa County: 1
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Palm Beach County: 2
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Pasco County: 4
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Pinellas County: 14
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Santa Rosa County: 2
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Sarasota County: 2
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Seminole County: 2
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Sumter County: 1
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Volusia County: 2
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Walton County: 2
The counties of Charlotte, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota showed unusual increases due to Helene and Milton, the state health department said.
What is Vibrio vulnificus?
The Vibrio vulnificus bacteria can be found in raw or undercooked seafood, saltwater, and brackish water, created when fresh water from a river or lake meets salty seawater. Flooding spreads brackish water into places it doesn’t usually get to, and people working in floodwaters during and after storms are susceptible.
Vibrio vulnificus, while rare, can be life-threatening. Some Vibrio vulnificus infections lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies. Without treatment, death can occur in just a few days.
People with compromised immune systems, liver disease, or open wounds are at higher risk for Vibrio vulnificus, the Florida Department of Health said.
What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus?
Common symptoms of Vibrio infection may include:
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Watery diarrhea, often accompanied by stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
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Bloodstream infection: fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions.
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Wound infection, which may spread to the rest of the body: fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and discharge (leaking fluids).
Health officials advise people who experience these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention after exposure to floodwaters. Healthcare professionals can treat the infection with antibiotics, but in extreme cases, arms and legs may need to be amputated to remove dead or infected tissue.
“Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection require intensive care or limb amputations,” the CDC said on their website.
To avoid contracting Vibrio vulnificus, the Florida Department of Health said to follow several safety precautions:
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Avoid swimming or wading in floodwaters, standing water, seawater, and brackish water.
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Cover open cuts or wounds with waterproof bandages if they come in contact with floodwaters, standing water, seawater, or brackish water.
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Wash skin and any open cuts or wounds thoroughly with soap and clean water after contact with floodwaters.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricanes in Florida: State sees surge in flesh-eating bacteria cases
