Florida health officials once again reported today that 15 people have now died from Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacteria that spread through floodwaters during hurricanes Helene and Milton. The state has recorded 77 cases this year, exceeding the previous record set after Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Recent data shows two new fatalities in Pinellas County, with case numbers rising in Hillsborough, Leon, and Pinellas counties. This marks an increase from last week’s report of 74 cases and 13 deaths, and significantly surpasses 2023’s total of 46 cases and 11 deaths.

Pinellas County has been most severely impacted with 15 cases, followed by Hillsborough County with eight. The bacteria, which requires salt water to survive and thrives in warm conditions, can cause necrotizing fasciitis – commonly known as a “flesh-eating” infection that kills tissue around wounds.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that Vibrio vulnificus infections often require intensive care or limb amputation, with a 20% mortality rate. Death can occur within 24-48 hours of initial symptoms.

Key Symptoms:

• Vibrio Infection:
  • Watery diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Fever and chills
• Bloodstream Infection:
  • Fever and chills
  • Severe blood pressure drop
  • Blistering skin lesions
• Wound Infection:
  • Fever
  • Redness, pain, swelling
  • Skin warmth and discoloration

Safety Guidelines from Florida Health:

1. Avoid contact with flood, standing, sea, or brackish water
2. Use waterproof bandages on open wounds if water contact is necessary
3. Clean skin, cuts, or wounds thoroughly with soap and water after any water exposure

County-by-County Statistics: 

The top affected areas include Pinellas (15 cases, 3 deaths), Hillsborough (8 cases, 2 deaths), Brevard (5 cases), and Lee (5 cases). 

The surge in cases followed flooding from Hurricane Milton in early October, which struck Florida just two weeks after Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26. Health officials noted an “unusual” increase in cases across several coastal counties post-Helene, including Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota.