The Florida Department of Health issued a warning to residents and visitors to avoid floodwaters as cases of flesh-eating bacteria continue to rise in the wake of back-to-back hurricanes that ravished the Gulf Coast.
In a press release, officials said there is an increased risk of Vibrio bacterial infections like Vibrio vulnificus, which can be life-threatening.
Data from the state’s health department shows 70 cases of Vibrio bacteria have been reported in 2024, which are responsible for 11 deaths. When compared to figures from 2022, the stats are similar to when Hurricane Ian damaged Collier and Lee counties, FOX 13 in Tampa reported.
The rise in cases in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties, the health department noted, was due to impacts from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
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According to the health department, Vibrio bacteria is commonly found in warm coastal waters and can cause illness when ingested or …