Florida: At least 13 people have been killed by rare-flesh-eating bacteria infection in the US’s Florida amid a hurricane. As per the state’s authorities, there have been 74 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections in 2024.
According to officials, the surge in the cases was due to Hurricane Helen which last month lashed Florida’s historic storm surge and chaotic winds. The storm later travelled into southern Appalachia and ravaged western North Carolina with deadly flooding and landslides that killed over 100 people.
In 2024 Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties experienced unusual increases due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene,” the department said.
However, recently on October 9, Florida was struck by Hurricane Milton, a category 3 storm that claimed the lives of at least two dozen and caused other damages.
Florida health authorities said, “Vibrio bacteria, commonly found in warm coastal waters, can cause illness when ingested or when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water.”
“After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria may rise, particularly in brackish and saltwater environments,” they added.
What is Vibrio Vulnificus?
Vibrio vulnificus is a type of infection caused by bacteria that is often caused by eating uncooked or undercooked shellfish or when seawater enters a wound.
Symptoms get worse quickly. They include fever, low blood pressure and painful blisters.
Rare-Flesh Eating Bacteria Kills 13 People in Hurrican-Hit in Florida world-news World News | Latest International News | Global World News | World Breaking Headlines Today
