Florida is witnessing a concerning rise in cases linked to hurricane activity as the presence of bacteria increases following heavy rainfall and flooding. This year alone, 13 individuals have tragically lost their lives to rare infections caused by the flesh-eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus.
According to state health officials, there have been 74 confirmed Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida in 2024, a significant increase from 46 cases and 11 deaths reported in 2023. The Florida Department of Health describes Vibrio vulnificus as a naturally occurring bacterium found in warm, brackish seawater, which relies on salt for survival.
The recent surge has been attributed to Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida with powerful winds and historic storm surges last month. After battering the state, the storm moved into southern Appalachia, causing devastating flooding and landslides in western North Carolina that resulted in approximately 100 fatalities.
Officials noted that several counties, including Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota, have experienced an unusual uptick in cases this year, likely due to the effects of Hurricane Helene. Additionally, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida as a formidable Category 3 storm on October 9, leading to at least two dozen deaths, many associated with a tornado outbreak prior to the storm’s arrival.
Florida health authorities emphasize that Vibrio bacteria, regularly found in warm coastal waters, can lead to serious health issues when ingested or when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water. After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria tends to rise, especially in brackish and saltwater environments.
Once a person becomes infected, Vibrio vulnificus can result in severe skin and soft tissue breakdown. In some cases, medical professionals may need to amputate the affected limb to prevent further spread of the infection, which can be fatal.
This alarming trend isn’t new; previous years have also seen Vibrio outbreaks following severe weather events. In 2022, there were 74 cases and 17 deaths linked to similar conditions, particularly in Collier and Lee counties, where health officials noted a spike due to Hurricane Ian.
While some Vibrio infections can lead to necrotizing fasciitis—a severe condition where the tissue surrounding an open wound dies—public health authorities assert that a type of Streptococcus is the most common culprit for this condition in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Interestingly, some experts have criticized the term “flesh-eating” when describing severe Vibrio infections, arguing that the bacteria does not destroy healthy, intact skin even with prolonged exposure.
