When most people think of the recent hurricane that hit Florida, images of destroyed homes, wrecked roads, and storm surges come to mind.
But amidst the chaos, a hidden enemy has claimed 13 lives this year—a deadly bacteria that thrives in storm-ravaged environments.
The flesh-eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, has flourished in 2024, with the rare infection spreading faster than ever in the wake of the powerful hurricanes that have devastated the state.
The Guardian reports that 74 cases have been recorded this year, a significant rise from the 46 cases reported last year.
Health authorities have identified a common culprit: the violent hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida with historic storm surges and powerful winds.
These extreme weather conditions have created ideal environments for the Vibrio bacteria to spread in the state's warm, brackish coastal waters.
For those unfamiliar with Vibrio vulnificus, it is a naturally occurring bacteria found in salt water. The danger arises when people consume contaminated water or expose open wounds to the bacteria.
The infection can be so severe that medical personnel often resort to amputating infected limbs to save patients' lives.
While this isn’t the first time a hurricane has triggered a Vibrio outbreak—2022 saw a similar surge after Hurricane Ian—the death toll this year is alarming. With two major storms, Helene and Milton, hitting the state in 2024, there are fears the number of cases and deaths could rise even further.
