Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infects Florida Communities Ravaged By Hurricane Ian

By NY Post
Posted on 10/19/22 | News Source: NY Post

Florida communities devastated by Hurricane Ian are facing a new threat of flesh-eating bacteria — weeks after the massive storm swept across the state.

As of last Friday, the Sunshine State reported 65 infections of Vibrio vulnificus this year, while there were only 37 cases reported prior to the storm that made landfall on Sept. 28, according to Florida Department of Health data.

Lee County, home to the Ian-ravaged communities of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island, accounts for most new cases of Vibrio vulnificus, which eats away at the flesh in open wounds.

“DOH-Lee is observing an abnormal increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections as a result of exposure to the floodwaters and standing waters following Hurricane Ian,” Lee County Department of Health spokesperson Tammy Soliz told CNN.

“Since September 29, 2022, 26 cases of Vibrio vulnificus associated with Hurricane Ian have been reported to DOH-Lee. All 26 cases had wound infections with exposure to Hurricane Ian floodwaters that occurred from the storm surge entering their homes or during post-storm clean-up. There have been six deaths among Lee County residents.”