Florida is facing a serious health crisis as the number of infections from Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria often referred to as ‘flesh-eating,’ has surged in the wake of recent hurricanes. The state has recorded a grim milestone this year, with 13 fatalities attributed to the bacteria. This stark increase comes on the heels of 74 confirmed cases in 2024, a significant jump from the 46 cases and 11 deaths reported in 2023.
The Florida Department of Health attributes the recent spike in infections to Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc on Florida last month with powerful winds and historic storm surges. The hurricane’s aftermath saw widespread flooding, leading to a dramatic rise in Vibrio vulnificus cases in several counties, including Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota. Hurricane Milton, which struck Florida as a Category 3 storm on October 9, also contributed to the increase, with at least two dozen deaths, many linked to tornadoes that occurred before the storm made landfall.
Vibrio vulnificus, a naturally occurring bacteria that thrives in warm, brackish seawater, poses a significant threat to public health. It requires salt for survival and can cause illness when ingested or when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water. After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria can rise, particularly in brackish and saltwater environments. This makes the post-hurricane period a particularly vulnerable time for Vibrio infections.
The infection itself can lead to severe tissue breakdown, a condition known as necrotizing fasciitis. In severe cases, medical professionals may need to amputate the infected limb to prevent the infection from spreading. This is not the first time catastrophic weather has prompted a Vibrio outbreak in Florida. In 2022, the state reported 74 cases and 17 deaths, with officials attributing the unusual increase to Hurricane Ian.
While Vibrio infections can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, public health authorities emphasize that a type of Streptococcus is the most common cause of this severe condition in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some experts caution against using the term ‘flesh-eating’ to describe severe Vibrio infections, clarifying that the bacteria cannot destroy healthy, intact skin even with prolonged exposure.
The CDC lists the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus as diarrhea, often accompanied by cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Bloodstream infections can manifest as fever, chills, low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions. Wound infections, which can spread to other parts of the body, are characterized by fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and discharge or leaking fluids.
The current situation underscores the importance of protecting open wounds from contaminated water and seeking immediate medical attention if any symptoms of Vibrio infection appear. As Florida recovers from the recent hurricane season, residents and visitors alike must be aware of the risks associated with Vibrio vulnificus infections and take necessary precautions to prevent exposure.