CASES OF FLORIDA'S FLESH-EATING DISEASE INCREASE FOLLOWING HURRICANE IAN

  • 19/10/2022

An increase in illnesses and fatalities caused by flesh-eating bacteria has been reported in the Florida county that was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian last month.

Officials report that the bacteria has been linked to 29 illnesses and four deaths in Lee County, where the category four storm made landfall on September 28.

Diagnoses were made in all but two cases following the hurricane.

Infections with Vibrio vulnificus can develop after bacteria enter the body through open wounds.

Warm brackish water, such as leftover floodwaters, is where the bacteria can be found.

A representative for the county health department stated on Monday that the Florida Department of Health in Lee County was "observing an abnormal increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections as a result of exposure to the floodwaters and standing waters following Hurricane Ian."

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