Floridians Experience Rise in Flesh-eating Bacteria Cases After Hurricanes

Florida has reported an increase in confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus (Vibrio), flesh-eating bacteria, after the devastating flooding, caused by Hurricanes Helene, which made landfall Sept. 26, and Milton, which hit Florida on Oct 9. On Oct. 18, the Florida Department of Health reported that Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties have experienced an unusual increase in Vibrio cases due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. On Friday, Florida Health reported 74 Vibrio cases total this year and 13 deaths.

Vibrio bacteria, commonly found in warm coastal waters, can cause illness when ingested or when entering the body through open wounds. After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria may rise, particularly in brackish and saltwater environments. Before Hurricane Milton hit early this month Florida Health issued a statement telling Floridians to avoid floodwaters to prevent exposure to Vibrio.

The Tampa Bay-area counties of Hillsborough and Pinellas—which were submerged with devastating rain and storm surge—reported the greatest number of Vibrio cases. Pinellas County has recorded 14 Vibrio cases so far this year followed by Hillsborough County with seven cases.  

Last year, Florida reported 46 Vibrio cases and 11 deaths. In 2022, the state saw 74 cases and 17 death following Hurricane Ian. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report about one in five people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill.