The aftermath of Hurricane Ian caused a spike in reported infections of a rare carnivorous bacterium in Florida.
There have been 65 cases of Vibrio vulnificus and 11 deaths in the state this year through Friday, according to the Florida Department of Health. That was an increase from 34 reported cases and 10 deaths in 2021.
Many of the infections, often referred to as “meat eater” bacterial infections, have occurred in Lee County, where ian landed as a Category 4 hurricane on September 28.
All 29 infections and four deaths recorded in Lee County but two were diagnosed after the hurricane, CNN reported.
Collier County has reported three cases considered to be related to the storm.
“[The Florida Department of Health in Lee County] is seeing an abnormal increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections due to exposure to flooding and standing water after Hurricane Ian, “a spokesman at the station said.
“As of September 29, 2022, 26 cases of Vibrio vulnificus associated with Hurricane Ian have been reported in DOH-Lee. All 26 cases had infectious wounds from exposure to Hurricane Ian floods that occurred due to a ‘ storm surge that entered their homes or during the aftermath of the storm. cleanup. There were six deaths among Lee County residents. “
Vibrio vulnificus is considered “carnivorous” because infections can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a serious infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. bacteria that can cause infection.
The Florida Department of Health said Vibrio vulnificus normally lives in warm, brackish seawater, and infections are rare.
“Water and wounds don’t mix,” he advises. “Don’t go into the water if you have fresh cuts or scrapes.”
In a flood safety fact sheet, he said people with open cuts and wounds should avoid skin contact with floodwaters.
People can also become infected with Vibrio vulnificus when they eat raw shellfish, especially oysters.
The infection can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can also cause a skin infection when open wounds are exposed to warm sea water, which could lead to skin lesions and ulcers. It can also invade the bloodstream and cause serious, life-threatening illness with symptoms such as fever, chills, low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions.
