Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infecting Florida Residents Post-Hurricane Ian

FLORIDA — Florida health officials are reporting an abnormal increase in infections caused by a flesh-eating bacteria that thrives in floodwaters like those that inundated several counties after Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 4 storm in September.

According to the Florida Department of Health, 65 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections have been recorded in Florida in 2022, up from 34 cases in 2021. Nearly 30 cases were in Lee County, where Ian made landfall on Sept. 28.

So far, the bacteria has killed 11 people, according to health officials.

Surveys following Ian show the hurricane's devastating storm surge rose one to two stories high across nearly 60 miles of Florida’s southwestern coastline, The Washington Post reported. In cities like Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City, ocean waters rose more than seven feet. In Fort Myers Beach, storm surge reached a devastating 15 feet in some places, the Post reported.

Flood waters are an ideal place for some Vibrio bacteria to thrive, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most naturally live in certain coastal waters and are present in higher concentrations between May and October when water temperatures are warmer.

While most people become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, some Vibrio species can cause a skin infection when an open wound is exposed to salt water or brackish water, according to the CDC. Brackish water is a mixture of fresh and salt water and is often found where rivers and oceans meet.

While healthy people typically develop mild symptoms including watery diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever, the bacterium can invade the bloodstream of those with weakened immune symptoms. Life-threatening infections are often accompanied by symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions.

Some Vibrio vulnificus infections lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies. This often is referred to as "flesh-eating bacteria."

According to the CDC, many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection require intensive care or limb amputations. About 1 in 5 people with this infection die.

The last time Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida recorded at least 50 cases was in 2017, according to the Florida Department of Health.

People can reduce their chance of getting a Vibrio vulnificus by following these tips from the CDC:

• If you have a wound or a recent piercing or tattoo, stay out of salt or brackish water. This includes wading at the beach.
• Cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if it could come into contact with salt water, brackish water, or raw or undercooked seafood and its juices. This contact can happen during everyday activities, such as swimming, fishing, or walking on the beach. It also happens when a hurricane or storm surge causes flooding.
• Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water after they have contact with salt water, brackish water, raw seafood or its juices.

Learn more about Vibrio vulnificus infections on the Florida Department of Health's website.