Florida health officials are reporting an increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus , a bacteria that can lead to flesh-eating infections, following recent hurricanes.
In an update Friday, data from the Florida Department of Health showed several counties are experiencing a spike in cases. The department said on its website that Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota Counties have experienced an “unusual increase due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.”
A total of 74 cases have been reported this year in the state, including 13 deaths. That’s compared to 46 cases and 11 deaths reported last year.
The health department warned residents ahead of Hurricane Milton to take precautions to prevent Vibrio infections, including avoiding floodwaters, which pose multiple health risks .
“Vibrio bacteria, commonly found in warm coastal waters, can cause illness when ingested or when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water,” the department wrote in an advisory earlier this month. “After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria may rise, particularly in brackish and saltwater environments.”