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Central Florida Shutdown Update: Warning Issued After Deaths Increase

Relief effort following Hurricane Milton in Florida
Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife, Flickr

A warning was issued for those in Central Florida as Hurricane Milton approached the state in early October.

Florida Sign

Credit: Canva

As Hurricane Milton, the Category 5 storm that made landfall as a Category 3 earlier this month, approached the shores of Florida and caused widespread shutdowns, officials issued a warning to protect life.

“The Florida Department of Health (Department) urges residents and visitors to avoid floodwaters and prevent exposure to Vibrio in anticipation of flooding and heavy rain caused by Hurricane Milton,” Florida Health reported on October 8, 2024. “While floodwaters are present, there is an increased risk of Vibrio infections, such as Vibrio vulnificus, which can be life-threatening.”

Satellite image captures Hurricane Milton swirling over the Gulf of Mexico, with dense cloud coverage and the eye of the storm near the coast.

Credit: The National Hurricane Center

Now, multiple reports show that the life-threatening Vibrio vulnificus—a flesh-eating bacterium naturally occurring in warm, brackish seawater—is on the rise across Florida. This is not the first time reports regarding Vibrio have surfaced.

“Florida had just six confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus before Hurricane Helene arrived in late September, but that number surged to 24 by the end of the month,” U.S. News wrote. “Since both hurricanes struck, there have been 38 confirmed cases, bringing the state total to 74 this year.”

According to the official Florida Health website, out of those 74 cases of Vibrio vulnificus, 13 people have died as a result of the rare illness.

“Of the 150 to 200 Vibrio vulnificus cases reported to the CDC every year, about 1 in 5 die from the infection,” U.S. News wrote.

Illustration of purple, rod-shaped bacteria with a smooth texture, set against a black background.

Credit: CDC

“Vibrio bacteria, commonly found in warm coastal waters, can cause illness when ingested or when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water,” Florida Health states on the health condition. “After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria may rise, particularly in brackish and saltwater environments.”

The warning to avoid floodwaters came as Hurricane Milton followed Hurricane Helene into Florida earlier this month, essentially shutting down the state. The major storm made landfall as a Category 3, causing Floridians to evacuate their homes and find shelter from high winds and heavy flooding.

While the coastal areas were the most affected, Central Florida prepared for the Hurricane, too, with major tourist attractions like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort shutting down from Wednesday, October 9, through Thursday, October 10.

Cinderella Castle Tomorrowland Dusk

Credit: Jeff Krause, Flickr

Guests at Walt Disney World were required to stay inside their resort hotels while the storm passed through. Upon the return to operations, damage could be seen across the theme parks.

The Vibrio vulnificus warning isn’t the only thing Floridians need to be cautious of since Hurricane Helene and Milton’s arrival stateside.

Health officials issued a warning last week for Central Florida residents and tourists to stay away from mosquito breeding grounds (still bodies of water) after a case of the West Nile Virus was confirmed in Orange County.

How do you feel about this new warning being issued for Central Florida?

About Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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