Florida is experiencing a surge in flesh-eating bacteria cases weeks after Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck, USA Today reported Oct. 22.
The Florida Department of Health has reported 74 cases of Vibrio vulnificus in 2024, matching the record number of cases recorded in 2022 following Hurricane Ian. There have also been 13 deaths from the infection this year.
The bacteria spread through floodwaters, reaching locations it had not been detected in before, and can infect people who come into contact with the contaminated water. Before Hurricane Helene, Pinellas County had no reported cases and Hillsborough County had one case. Following the flooding, Pinellas County reported 14 cases and Hillsborough County reported eight.
Increased cases were also reported in the counties of Charlotte, Citrus, Hernando, Lee, Pasco, and Sarasota, according to the state health department.
Health officials have issued "no swim" advisories at popular beach locations while testing for the bacteria is underway.