Following recent hurricanes, Florida health officials report an increase in Vibrio-Vulnificus cases, a bacteria that can cause flesh-eating infection.

The Florida Department of Health released an update on Friday that showed a spike of cases in several counties. On its website, the department stated that Citrus County, Hernando County, Hillsborough County, Lee County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, and Sarasota County have seen an “unusual rise due to Hurricane Helene’s impacts.”

This year, 74 cases were reported in the state. 13 of those deaths occurred. This is compared to the 46 cases and eleven deaths reported last season.

Health officials warned residents to avoid floodwaters that pose multiple health hazards and to take precautions against Vibrio infection.

In an advisory published earlier this month, the Department wrote, “Vibrio, a bacteria commonly found in warm coastal water, can cause illness if ingested, or if open wounds are in contact with contaminated water. After heavy rain and flooding, these bacteria can be more concentrated, especially in brackish or saltwater environments.”

Journal of the American Medical Association reports that about 100 Vibrio cases are reported each year in the United States. However, because mild cases are not tested, the exact number of Vibrio infections is unknown. Around a third are fatal.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe necrotizing fasciitis as “a severe infection where the flesh surrounding an open wound is killed.”

The CDC website states that necrotizing fasciitis may be caused by a variety of bacteria.

Vibrio-Vulnificus symptoms

The CDC states that symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. However, they may include diarrhea which is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cramps, and fever.

Bloodstream infection symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Low blood pressure
• Blistering skin lesions

Signs of wound infection that may spread to other parts of the body include:

• Fever
• Redness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Discoloration
• Fluids that leak or discharge

The CDC states that an infection can be diagnosed if Vibrio bacteria are found in a wound, blood, or stool. The CDC says that these infections can be treated with antibiotics. However, in severe cases, doctors may have to amputate a person’s arms or legs to remove infected or dead tissue.