13 Dead From 'Flesh-Eating' Bacteria After Hurricanes Helene, Milton

FLORIDA — Thirteen people have died so far this year of a "flesh-eating" bacteria after Florida was slammed by back-to-back hurricanes, which pushed floodwaters onto land, public health department data showed Tuesday.

According to data from Florida Health, there have been 74 cases of Vibrio vulnificus — a salt-required bacteria that dwells in warm seawater. That ties a record number of cases set in 2022 after Hurricane Ian.

Vibrio vulnificus is a gateway to necrotizing fasciitis, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said is a "severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies."

"Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection can get seriously ill and need intensive care or limb amputation. About 1 in 5 people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill," the CDC added.

State health officials warned people not to enter water with fresh cuts or scrapes.

In early October, health officials warned flooding and heavy rain from Hurricane Milton could expose people to Vibrio vulnificus. Milton was the second major hurricane in two weeks to hit Florida, following Hurricane Helene's Sept. 26 arrival.

Post-Helene, health officials reported an "unusual" uptick in Vibrio vulnificus cases in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. Statewide, there have been 74 cases of the bacteria, up from 46 in 2023.

Data showed Pinellas County has largely been affected by Vibrio vulnificus with 14 reported cases. Hillsborough was second with seven reported cases.

Here is a county-by-county breakdown:

Per the CDC, see the following symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus:

Common signs and symptoms of Vibrio infection

• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills

Signs and symptoms of Vibrio bloodstream infection

• Fever
• Chills
• Dangerously low blood pressure
• Blistering skin lesions

Signs and symptoms of Vibrio wound infection

• Fever
• Redness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Discoloration (turning a color other than normal)

See safety precautions from Florida Health:

• Avoid swimming or wading in floodwaters, standing water, sea water, and brackish water, if possible.
• Cover open cuts or wounds with waterproof bandages if they could come in contact with floodwaters, standing water, sea water, or brackish water.
• Wash skin and any open cuts or wounds thoroughly with soap and clean water after any contact with floodwaters.