Thirteen individuals in Florida have lost their lives this year due to infections caused by a rare flesh-eating bacteria. This increase in cases can be attributed to the heightened hurricane activity in the state.
According to Florida health authorities, there have been 74 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections in 2024, which is an increase from 46 cases and 11 deaths in 2023.
According to the Florida department of health, Vibrio vulnificus is a type of bacteria that naturally exists in warm, brackish seawater. These bacteria require salt in order to survive.
The surge is believed to have been caused by Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc in Florida last month with its powerful winds and unprecedented storm surge. After devastating western North Carolina with deadly flooding and landslides, claiming the lives of approximately 100 individuals, the storm made its way into southern Appalachia.
“In 2024, several counties in Florida, including Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota, were hit by the devastating Hurricane Helene,” stated the department. The hurricane made landfall as a category 3 storm on October 9th, resulting in significant damage and loss of life. A tornado outbreak preceding the storm’s arrival caused additional casualties, with at least two dozen individuals losing their lives.”
Health officials in Florida have stated that the presence of Vibrio bacteria in warm coastal waters can lead to illness if ingested or if open wounds come into contact with contaminated water.
According to experts, the concentration of bacteria can increase in brackish and saltwater environments after heavy rainfall and flooding.
If a person becomes infected with Vibrio vulnificus, it can lead to the deterioration of the skin and soft tissue, according to USA Today. In order to prevent the infection from spreading, medical professionals may need to amputate the affected limb, as the infection can be fatal.
In previous years, Florida has experienced catastrophic weather events that have led to outbreaks of Vibrio infections. In 2022, there were a total of 74 cases and 17 deaths attributed to this outbreak. Health officials specifically observed a significant rise in cases in Collier and Lee counties, which they attributed to the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although some Vibrio infections can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection where the flesh around an open wound dies, public health authorities believe that the most common cause of this condition in the US is actually a type of Streptococcus.
Experts have expressed concerns about using the term “flesh-eating” to describe severe Vibrio infection. They point out that even with prolonged exposure, this infection cannot destroy healthy and intact skin.