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