TUESDAY, Oct. 18, 2022 (HealthDay News) – Florida residents dealing with the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Ian now need to be concerned about a spike in flesh-eating bacteria cases, health officials warned.
“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 county health department said in a statement. Residents 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.”
“Sewage spills, like those caused from Hurricane Ian, may increase bacteria levels,” the statement continued. “As the post-storm situation evolves, individuals should take precautions against an infection and illness caused by Vibrio vulnificus.”
People are also reading…
Lee County health officials know of at least 29 cases and four deaths in the county, according to data updated last Friday. All but two were reported since Ian barreled through the state.
While Florida health officials track the bacteria throughout the year, Lee and Collier counties are the only areas with confirmed cases. Collier County had three confirmed cases in 2022, including one since the hurricane, CBS News reported.
Once Vibrio vulnificus enters human skin, it quickly becomes necrotizing fasciitis, which breaks down tissue and can require amputation to stem the bacteria’s spread through the body. The bacteria enters the body via open cuts or wounds. Symptoms of infection include fever, chills and later a drop in blood pressure and blistering skin lesions.
The infection is especially dangerous to those who have chronic liver disease or take immunosuppressant medications. The bacteria can also enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis and leading to organ failure and sometimes death.
It “has the potential to cause severe illness or death,” the Lee County health department warned in a news release posted shortly after the hurricane.
The Florida Department of Health has more on Vibrio vulnificus.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Health News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
Denial of responsibility! NewsAzi is an automatic aggregator around the global media. All the content are available free on Internet. We have just arranged it in one platform for educational purpose only. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, all materials to their authors. If you are the owner of the content and do not want us to publish your materials on our website, please contact us by email – [email protected]. The content will be deleted within 24 hours.
