Filthy floodwaters from Hurricane Ian drove wave of flesh-eating infections

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, some of Florida's hardest-hit areas are facing a new threat.

In the weeks since the disaster, authorities in Florida's Lee County have seen a surge in potentially life-threatening infections. Thebacteria are found in warm coastal waters but also in polluted waters.

There have been 29 infections in Lee County this year, 27 of which were identified after the storm. Lee County had just five cases and one death in the next two years. There have been 65 cases and 11 deaths in Florida in the year 2022. From the past two years, the state total has doubled.

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 floodwaters and standing waters following Hurricane Ian. It was warned that "sewage spills, like those caused from Hurricane Ian, may increasebacteria levels, and residents should be aware of the potential risks associated when exposing open wounds, cuts, or scratches to warm, brackish, or salt water."

The good news is that the person doesn't get the disease from someone else. Those who have been exposed to floods are at risk of getting infections. People can get sick if they eat raw or cooked seafood that has been contaminated.

The symptoms of an infectious wound include redness, swelling, and pain, which can lead to a full-body infection and death.

V vulnificus infections are fatal in about 40 percent of cases, but wound infections have a lower mortality rate. Death can be prevented by aggressive surgical treatments. People with compromised immune systems are the most at risk for food poisoning. Treatments include combinations of antibiotics.