Flesh-Eating Bacteria Surge in Florida Following Recent Hurricanes - CBS

⏺Health officials in the Sunshine State report an increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections. The spread of the bacteria began after hurricanes Helene and Milton.

⏺In nearly eleven months, Florida has recorded 74 cases of vibriosis, 13 of which were fatal. Last year, there were 46 cases and 11 deaths in total.

⏺The bacteria can infect people through accidental ingestion of contaminated water or contact with open wounds. Symptoms include fever, low blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

⏺The bacteria rapidly eat away human flesh, and if antibiotics fail, doctors often resort to limb amputations.

⏺The largest increase in vibriosis has been observed in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties—those most affected by the hurricanes.