The Florida Department of Health has issued a public warning urging residents to avoid contact with flood water hurricane milton Due to the risk of exposure to vibrio vulnificusA flesh-eating bacteria that can cause serious, life-threatening infections. This bacterium is typically found in warm coastal waters, and its concentrations increase after heavy rainfall and flooding, especially in brackish (salty) water.

Vibrio vulnificus can infect people when open wounds come in contact with contaminated water. According to the Florida Department of Health, people who come in contact with flood water should take extra precautions, as flooding associated with storms and hurricanes create ideal conditions for this bacteria to thrive.

Craig Baker-Austin, PhD, senior research scientist at the Center for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences in the United Kingdom, said exposure to flood water is a common cause of increased Vibrio infections after storms. “After such incidents, there has been a significant increase in the number of people coming in contact with flood water,” he said. This pattern has been seen after several major hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Ian in 2022. Dr. Baker-Austin said a similar increase in Vibrio infections is likely to occur as a result of Hurricane Milton.

Although the risk increases after a hurricane, Vibrio infection, known as vibriosis, remains relatively rare. Despite millions of people swimming in Florida waters each year, the number of annual cases in the state ranges from 20 to 40, according to Scott Rivkees, MD, a professor of public health at Brown University and former state surgeon general in Florida. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports about 150 to 200 Vibrio infections annually, with about 20 percent of cases resulting in death.

Some people are at higher risk of developing serious Vibrio infections. People with weakened immune systems, liver disease, or open wounds are more susceptible to the bacteria. Exposure to flood water or salt water can cause infection and if not treated promptly, the consequences can be serious.

Symptoms of Vibrio infection may include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, chills, fast heart rate, confusion, or disorientation. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after exposure to flood water should seek immediate medical attention.

To reduce the risk of contracting vibriosis, the Florida Department of Health advises residents to take the following precautions:

– If possible, avoid swimming or wading in flood water, standing water, sea water or salt water.

– If contact with these waters is unavoidable, cover any open cuts or wounds with waterproof bandages.

– Wash skin and wounds thoroughly with soap and clean water after contact with potentially contaminated water.

Lisa Weidner, PhD, assistant professor of biology at the University of West Florida, emphasized the importance of monitoring wounds for signs of infection within the first 24 hours after exposure to potentially contaminated water. “It is important to seek immediate medical attention if any signs of infection appear,” he said. Dr. Weidner also points out the importance of informing healthcare providers about potential exposure to seawater or flood water that may contain Vibrio bacteria.

Gulf Coast health experts are generally well aware of the risks associated with Vibrio vulnificus, but it is important to mention to individuals seeking treatment the possibility of exposure to seawater and contracting bacterial infections such as vibriosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent serious complications and save lives.

As Florida recovers from the devastating impact of Hurricane Milton, residents are urged to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the dangers of flesh-eating bacteria present in contaminated floodwaters.

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