'Flesh-Eating' Bacteria Kills 2 More, Cases Climb After FL Hurricanes

FLORIDA — A "flesh-eating" bacteria swept into Florida by floodwaters during recent back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton has killed 15 people, public health department data showed Monday.

According to data from Florida Health, there have been 77 cases statewide of Vibrio vulnificus — a salt-required bacteria that lives in warm seawater. That surpasses a record number of cases set in 2022 after Hurricane Ian.

In 2023, the bacteria caused 46 cases and 11 people to die, data showed. Last week, Florida health officials reported 74 confirmed cases and 13-related deaths.

Data showed two new bacteria-related deaths occurred in Pinellas County. Cases have increased in Hillsborough, Leon and Pinellas counties.

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 the water with fresh cuts or scrapes.

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

Post-Helene, health officials reported an "unusual" uptick in Vibrio vulnificus cases in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.

Pinellas County has largely been affected by Vibrio vulnificus, with 15 reported cases. Hillsborough was second with eight reported cases.

Here is an updated 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, seawater, and brackish water, if possible.
• Cover open cuts or wounds with waterproof bandages if they 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.