FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Florida has seen a rise in instances of flesh-eating bacteria this 12 months pushed largely by a surge in the county hit hardest by Hurricane Ian.
The state Department of Health reviews that as of Friday there have been 65 instances of vibrio vulnificus infections and 11 deaths in Florida this 12 months. That compares with 34 instances and 10 deaths reported throughout all of 2021.
In Lee County, the place Ian stormed ashore final month, the well being division reviews 29 instances this 12 months and 4 deaths.
Health officers didn’t give a breakdown of how most of the instances had been earlier than or after Ian struck.
Lee County well being officers earlier this month warned people who the post-hurricane surroundings — together with heat, standing water — may pose a hazard from the possibly lethal bacteria.
“Flood waters and standing waters following a hurricane pose many risks, including infectious diseases such as vibrio vulnificus,” the county well being division stated in a news launch Oct. 3 that urged the general public to take precautions.
The advisory stated that folks with open wounds, cuts, or scratches could be uncovered to the bacteria by means of contact with sea water or brackish water. People with open wounds ought to keep away from such water and search medical care instantly if an an infection is clear.