Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases Rise in Hurricane Ian’s Aftermath

The link to Hurricane Ian’s arrival has been easy to identify, with the Department of Health reporting 37 infections before Hurricane Ian’s landfall. In the days and weeks after Hurricane Ian made landfall, the cases of flesh-eating bacteria rose rapidly to 65 for the year.

The dangers posed by standing waters following the arrival of a hurricane include possible infection by bacteria. Among the issues posed by flesh-eating bacteria is necrotizing fasciitis. This medical condition is the cause of the high number of deaths associated with flesh-eating bacteria. Some studies suggest as many as 20 percent of flesh-eating bacteria infections are fatal.

The Vibrio vulnificus infection is known for its ability to attack the tissues surrounding the organs. The flesh-eating bacteria has been known to attack the tissues surrounding the organs and muscles to cause major damage to the affected person.

The Centers for Disease Control explains the damage caused to tissues by flesh-eating bacteria causes their rapid death. The bacteria quickly spread through the tissues and cause the death of tissues throughout the body. The dangers of Vibrio vulnificus are well-known to health officials in Florida, where warm waters are a known breeding ground for the bacteria. The bacteria is known to enter the human body through open wounds on the skin, such as those commonly occurring during a hurricane.

Moving through flood waters with open wounds is thought to be the reason for the high number of cases reported in Lee County since September 29. The 26 cases reported in Lee County and one case in Collier County have all been traced back to individuals with open wounds moving through flooded areas. The infections occurred during the initial storm surge and when residents of Lee County returned to their homes to start the post-hurricane cleanup.

Flood waters are one of the most effective breeding grounds for Vibrio vulnificus. The bacteria are known to live in warm saltwater pushed inland during a storm surge. The Florida Department of Health had identified flesh-eating bacteria as a potential problem before the arrival of Hurricane Ian. The Department of Health used TV, radio, and social media to raise awareness of the potential problems associated with Vibrio vulnificus.

The CDC and the Florida Department of Health report the number of cases of flesh-eating bacteria in Lee County has already begun to decline. Symptoms can range from mild to fatal, with watery diarrhea commonly seen. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms, along with fever and chills. Most cases are treated by family physicians with antibiotics. In the most severe cases, patients are hospitalized for treatment. A severe flesh-eating bacterial infection can lead to amputation and death.