Waukeshahealthinsurance.com-
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Flesh-eating bacteria in Florida has increased recently following devastating hurricanes Helen and Milton, according to state health department data.
The Hillsborough and Pinellas counties of Tampa Bay — hit by heavy rains and devastating storms — have seen the biggest increases in Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which are commonly found in warm coastal waters, but concentrations can increase during heavy rains or flooding. Before Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, there were no reported cases in Pinellas County and Hillsborough County. Right now, Pinellas has 13 confirmed cases, and there are seven in Hillsborough.
Florida had six confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus before Hurricane Helene hit in September, but the number rose to 24 by the end of the month. There have been 38 confirmed cases since the storm, bringing the total to 76 this year.
People can become infected with Vibrio vulnificus by ingesting or exposing open wounds to contaminated water or by eating improperly cooked seafood. People with a weakened immune system, liver disease, or open wounds are more prone to Vibrio vulnificus infection.
Of the 150 to 200 cases of Vibrio vulnificus reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention each year, one in five people die from the virus, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill.
Florida Department of Health He issued a statement. Last week, ahead of Milton's landfall, residents were urged to be vigilant and avoid floodwaters where Vibrio bacteria can multiply rapidly.
The agency advises people. Avoid swimming or swimming in flood water. If a person must come into contact with contaminated water, they should cover any wounds with a waterproof bandage and wash thoroughly.
It's not the first time a hurricane has seen an increase in Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida. In the year After Hurricane Ian in 2022, there were 29 new cases, bringing the state's total to 65 in October. previously reported.