6 Florida counties saw ‘unusual increase’ in flesh-eating bacteria after hurricanes: health officials

TAMPA, Fla. ( WFLA ) – Florida health officials noted that six Tampa Bay-area counties saw an “unusual increase” in cases of Vibrio vulnificus this year, attributed to floodwaters from back-to-back hurricanes.

Vibrio vulnificus is a so-called “flesh-eating bacteria” that lives in warm seawater. Infection, which is rare, occurs when cuts and wounds come into direct contact with seawater or when someone eats raw shellfish, particularly oysters.

“In 2024, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties experience unusual increase due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene,” Florida Department of Health officials wrote.

As of Friday morning, Florida counties have seen a total of 74 cases this year, compared to 46 in 2023. Of those, there have been 13 deaths this year, compared with 11 last year.

Here’s how many cases and deaths have been attributed to the bacteria in Florida, according to data from the Florida Department of Health:

Ingestion of Vibrio vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. It can also lead to a skin infection if it comes into contact with an open wound. Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50% of the time, according to the FDOH.

Immunocompromised individuals and people with preexisting medical conditions are most at risk. Health officials suggest wearing shoes to prevent injury caused by rocks and shells on the beach.

“Wound infections may also be serious in people with weakened immune systems,” FDOH officials wrote. “The wound may heal poorly and require surgery. Sometimes amputation may even be needed for recovery.”

Tips for preventing Vibrio vulnificus infections:

• Do not eat raw shellfish. They should be cooked thoroughly first.
• For shellfish in the shell, either a) boil until the shells open and continue boiling for 5 more minutes, or b) steam until the shells open and then continue cooking for 9 more minutes. Do not eat shellfish that do not open during cooking. Boil shucked oysters at least 3 minutes or fry them in oil for at least 10 minutes at 375 degrees F.
• Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood.
• Eat shellfish immediately after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.
• Avoid exposing open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, or to raw shellfish harvested from such waters.
• Wear protective clothing (e.g., gloves) when handling raw shellfish.

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