People in coastal areas of Florida impacted by the recent hurricanes have something else to worry about — flesh-eating bacteria.
Known as Vibrio vulnificus, the bacteria occurs naturally in warm coastal waters, but its concentrations can rise with heavy rain and flooding.
The Florida Department of Health issued an advisory on Oct. 8, the day before Hurricane Milton hit the state, urging residents and visitors to avoid floodwaters because of the risk of infection.
WPTV Investigates
Man wins lawsuit against doctor who allegedly misdiagnosed flesh-eating bacteria
Florida had six confirmed cases in September before Hurricane Helene arrived. That number rose to 24 by the end of the month and is now at 74 with 13 deaths this year, according to the latest numbers released by the state.
Florida health officials said Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties have experienced an "unusual increase" in flesh-eating bacteria cases due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Scripps News
Bacteria and waste in floodwater from hurricanes pose health risks
There have been two confirmed cases and two deaths from the bacteria in Palm Beach County this year. No confirmed cases have been reported on the Treasure Coast in 2024, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The bacteria is spread through drinking contaminated water or coming into contact with open skin. People can also get it by eating improperly cooked seafood.
Each year about 20% of the 150 to 200 people who get the infection in the U.S. die.
What You Need to Know
- Risk Factors: Individuals who have compromised immune systems, liver disease, or open wounds are at higher risk for Vibrio vulnificus.
- Symptoms: Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, fast or high heart rate, confusion, or disorientation.
- When to Seek Medical Attention: Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms associated with Vibrio vulnificus, especially after exposure to floodwaters.
- Safety Precautions:
- Avoid swimming or wading in floodwaters, standing water, seawater and brackish water, if possible.
- Cover open cuts or wounds with waterproof bandages if they could come in contact with floodwaters, standing water, seawater, or brackish water.
- Wash skin and any open cuts or wounds thoroughly with soap and clean water after any contact with floodwaters.
"Condition of the patient deteriorates very rapidly"
WPTV reporter Joel Lopez spoke to health experts about the dangers of the bacteria.
"It travels very quickly and gets into a very dire straight very quickly for the patient, mortality is high," Dr. Leslie Diaz of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center said.
So, why are cases increasing after the recent hurricanes?
"When you get hurricanes, you get storm surge, you get floods, you get a lot of rain. This increases the concentration levels of this kind of bacteria level very high," Diaz said. "So wading through water that is mid lower leg and you have an open wound or a cut, that's the entry point."
She said she's seen four cases of Vibrio vulnificus in her 28 years of practicing medicine locally.
Diaz said the hard part is identifying that it's Vibrio, so it's best to disclose to your doctor if you've been through flood waters after recent storms.
"Is it painful when you're going through this treatment?" Lopez asked
"Absolutely, and it's scary because it just gets in front of you like wildfire and the condition of the patient deteriorates very rapidly," Diaz said.
How can you avoid catching flesh-eating bacteria?
Dr. Gabby McHenry with FAU Harbor Branch studied this bacteria for her Ph.D.
"It's already here. It lives in our inshore waters year-round," McHenry said. "It's] not likely to be transferred by the ocean. It can't live in very salty off-shore waters. Instead, rain coming into our estuaries, Intracoastal etc. can help the ones currently living there to spread to more places."
"Could Lake Okeechobee discharges cause it to contaminate ocean water?" Lopez asked.
"Yes for sure, by lowering salinities of nearby waters. The bacteria likes brackish water, pretty much a perfect mix of freshwater and ocean water," McHenry said. "During my research, I found it all throughout the Indian River Lagoon, year-round, but it was most abundant next to canals where freshwater was entering, keeping the salinity low and far from the ocean inlets bringing in salty water. But when lots of water discharges its range can certainly spread."
So, what should Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast residents do to avoid it.
"For us, since we don't have coastal flooding right now, just practicing good recreational/outdoor safety will be sufficient to prevent (infection)," McHenry said.
