<p>A rare but deadly 'flesh-eating' bacteria has killed at least 13 people in Florida as the southern US state recovers from the aftermath of two hurricanes.</p>

<p>Cases of Vibrio vulnificus are at a record high of 74 this year in the state, according to media reports citing local health authorities.</p>

<p>This is a sharp increase from 46 cases and 11 deaths for the whole of 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-kerala-reports-fourth-case-of-rare-brain-eating-amoeba-infection-death-toll-at-three-738465">Also read: India's Kerala reports fourth case of rare brain-eating amoeba infection; death toll at three</a></strong></p>

<p>The people of the state are still picking up the pieces after the devastation by Hurricane Helene in September, which was followed by Hurricane Milton in early October.</p>

<p>The storms led to massive flooding and mixing of freshwater with saltwater, which is ideal for the vibriobacteria to grow.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: &nbsp;Gravitas: 'Flesh-eating disease' spreading at record rate in Japan</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What is Vibrio vulnificus?</strong></h2>

<p>Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria living in warm, brackish seawater. It infects people through open wounds or when ingested. To this extent, some experts say that 'flesh-eating bacteria' may be a misnomer, as it cannot infect intact skin.</p>

<p>Heavy rainfall can help the bacteria population to grow, particularly in coastal areas.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deaths-happen-within-48-hours-rare-flesh-eating-bacteria-spreads-in-japan-732080">Also read: 'Deaths happen within 48 hours': Rare flesh-eating bacteria spreads in Japan</a></strong><br />
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Vibrio vulnificus infections are rare but can be fatal, with nearly 20 per cent of those infected dying from it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once infected, Vibrio vulnificus can prompt the breakdown of skin and soft tissue.</p>

<p>Immuno-compromised people, like the elderly and those suffering from liver diseases, are at greater risk of infection.</p>

<p>As per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 150 to 200 Vibrio vulnificus cases are reported in the US each year.</p>

<h2><strong>Vibrio vultificus bacteria symptoms</strong></h2>

<p>Fever, redness, and severe tissue damage, which may need amputation to prevent further spread, are among the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus.</p>

<p>It can also cause watery diarrhoea with stomach cramping, nausea and vomiting.</p>

<p>Chills, low blood pressure and blistering skin lesions are other symptoms.</p>

<h2><strong>Treatment for&nbsp;Vibrio vulnificus </strong></h2>

<p>Those exposed to floodwaters and showing these symptoms should seek medical help&nbsp;immediately.</p>

<p>Treatment includes antibiotics.</p>

<p>In some rare cases, limb amputation may be required to prevent further damage to infected tissue.</p>

<h2><strong>How to prevent vibrio-bacteria&nbsp;infection</strong></h2>

<p>Authorities have asked people to avoid exposure of skin to floodwaters.<br />
<br />
Wounds and open cuts should be covered, and exposed skin should be washed thoroughly.</p>

<p>"While floodwaters are present, there is an increased risk of Vibrio infections, such as Vibrio vulnificus, which can be life-threatening," the Florida Health Department said in a release.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A rare but deadly 'flesh-eating' bacteria has killed at least 13 people in Florida as the southern US state recovers from the aftermath of two hurricanes. Cases of Vibrio vulnificus are at a record high of 74 this year in the state, according to media reports citing local health authorities.

A rare but deadly 'flesh-eating' bacteria has killed at least 13 people in Florida as the southern US state recovers from the aftermath of two hurricanes. Cases of Vibrio vulnificus are at a record high of 74 this year in the state, according to media reports citing local health authorities. This is a sharp increase from 46 cases and 11 deaths for the whole of 2023. Also read: India's Kerala reports fourth case of rare brain-eating amoeba infection; death toll at three The people of the state are still picking up the pieces after the devastation by Hurricane Helene in September, which was followed by Hurricane Milton in early October. The storms led to massive flooding and mixing of freshwater with saltwater, which is ideal for the vibriobacteria to grow. Watch: Gravitas: 'Flesh-eating disease' spreading at record rate in Japan × What is Vibrio vulnificus? Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria living in warm, brackish seawater. It infects people through open wounds or when ingested. To this extent, some experts say that 'flesh-eating bacteria' may be a misnomer, as it cannot infect intact skin. Heavy rainfall can help the bacteria population to grow, particularly in coastal areas. Also read: 'Deaths happen within 48 hours': Rare flesh-eating bacteria spreads in Japan Vibrio vulnificus infections are rare but can be fatal, with nearly 20 per cent of those infected dying from it. Once infected, Vibrio vulnificus can prompt the breakdown of skin and soft tissue. Immuno-compromised people, like the elderly and those suffering from liver diseases, are at greater risk of infection. As per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 150 to 200 Vibrio vulnificus cases are reported in the US each year. Vibrio vultificus bacteria symptoms Fever, redness, and severe tissue damage, which may need amputation to prevent further spread, are among the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus. It can also cause watery diarrhoea with stomach cramping, nausea and vomiting. Chills, low blood pressure and blistering skin lesions are other symptoms. Treatment for Vibrio vulnificus Those exposed to floodwaters and showing these symptoms should seek medical help immediately. Treatment includes antibiotics. In some rare cases, limb amputation may be required to prevent further damage to infected tissue. How to prevent vibrio-bacteria infection Authorities have asked people to avoid exposure of skin to floodwaters. Wounds and open cuts should be covered, and exposed skin should be washed thoroughly. "While floodwaters are present, there is an increased risk of Vibrio infections, such as Vibrio vulnificus, which can be life-threatening," the Florida Health Department said in a release. (With inputs from agencies)

'Flesh-eating' bacteria kills 13 in Hurricane-hit Florida, cases at record: What is vibrio vulnificus?

<p>Hurricane Ian left a trail of destruction after it crashed across Florida on September 28-29. Recovery efforts are underway but the challenges are not over yet as people now have to deal with environmental hazards that could pose serious health threats. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Millions were impacted by Hurricane Ian, which is one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the United States. Officials have said that over 100 people were killed in Florida alone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those who were impacted, are still struggling as homes, restaurants and businesses were destroyed when the powerful Category 4 Hurricane Ian roared ashore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the officials, it could take months and perhaps $50 billion or more to rebuild the regions in Florida that were destroyed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-orders-troops-to-capture-more-russian-prisoners-to-facilitate-release-of-ukrainian-heroes-526294">Zelensky orders troops to capture 'more' Russian prisoners to facilitate release of Ukrainian 'heroes'</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Amid the recovery efforts, people across the state are grappling with serious health risks. After the storm and subsequent flooding, there's an emergence of deadly infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, CBS News reported quoting officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentioned that Vibrio vulnificus can cause life-threatening wound infections. There are several instances when people needed intensive care or limb amputations. The report also mentioned that about 1 in 5 people with this infection die.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, the Lee County health department said in a news release that the infection itself "has the potential to cause severe illness or death."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-reverses-decision-of-recognising-jerusalem-as-israel-capital-526278">Australia reverses decision of recognising Jerusalem as Israel capital</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Are you an unhealthy vegan?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>According to state data updated last Friday, at least 29 cases and four deaths have been confirmed in Lee County this year as a result of such infections. At least two cases have been reported after Hurricane Ian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A spokesperson at the county health department said in a statement to CBS News on Monday: "The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is observing an abnormal increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections as a result of exposure to the flood waters and standing waters following Hurricane Ian."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement mentioned that people should "always be aware of the potential risks associated when exposing open wounds, cuts, or scratches on the skin to warm, brackish, or salt water."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement added: "Sewage spills, like those caused from Hurricane Ian, may increase bacteria levels. As the post storm situation evolves, individuals should take precautions against and infection and illness caused by Vibrio vulnificus."&nbsp;</p>

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Hurricane Ian left a trail of destruction after it crashed across Florida on September 28-29. Recovery efforts are underway but the challenges are not over yet as people now have to deal with environmental hazards that could pose serious health threats.

Hurricane Ian left a trail of destruction after it crashed across Florida on September 28-29. Recovery efforts are underway but the challenges are not over yet as people now have to deal with environmental hazards that could pose serious health threats. Millions were impacted by Hurricane Ian, which is one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the United States. Officials have said that over 100 people were killed in Florida alone. Those who were impacted, are still struggling as homes, restaurants and businesses were destroyed when the powerful Category 4 Hurricane Ian roared ashore. As per the officials, it could take months and perhaps $50 billion or more to rebuild the regions in Florida that were destroyed. ALSO READ | Zelensky orders troops to capture 'more' Russian prisoners to facilitate release of Ukrainian 'heroes' Amid the recovery efforts, people across the state are grappling with serious health risks. After the storm and subsequent flooding, there's an emergence of deadly infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, CBS News reported quoting officials. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentioned that Vibrio vulnificus can cause life-threatening wound infections. There are several instances when people needed intensive care or limb amputations. The report also mentioned that about 1 in 5 people with this infection die. Earlier this month, the Lee County health department said in a news release that the infection itself "has the potential to cause severe illness or death." ALSO READ | Australia reverses decision of recognising Jerusalem as Israel capital WATCH | Gravitas: Are you an unhealthy vegan? × According to state data updated last Friday, at least 29 cases and four deaths have been confirmed in Lee County this year as a result of such infections. At least two cases have been reported after Hurricane Ian. A spokesperson at the county health department said in a statement to CBS News on Monday: "The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is observing an abnormal increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections as a result of exposure to the flood waters and standing waters following Hurricane Ian." The statement mentioned that people should "always be aware of the potential risks associated when exposing open wounds, cuts, or scratches on the skin to warm, brackish, or salt water." The statement added: "Sewage spills, like those caused from Hurricane Ian, may increase bacteria levels. As the post storm situation evolves, individuals should take precautions against and infection and illness caused by Vibrio vulnificus." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hurricane Ian's threat not over yet, Florida county reports infections caused by 'flesh-eating' bacteria

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