“Flood waters and standing waters following a hurricane pose many risks, including infectious diseases such as Vibrio vulnificus [the so-called ‘flesh-eating bacteria’],” said the Florida Department of Health. So far this year, 65 cases and 11 deaths from V. vulnificus bacteria have been recorded, compared with 34 cases and 10 deaths in 2021. The state health department notes that these numbers represent an abnormal increase due to the impacts of Category 4 Hurricane Ian, which pummeled Florida with devastating force on September 28. V. vulnificus infections are called “flesh-eating” because some lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies. Although rare, this type of infection can spread quickly in the body and cause death. “This bacteria lives in these warm, salty waters, where it begins to thrive,” said William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist and professor of preventive medicine and health policy at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. In part, the flesh-eating bacteria multiply in these coastal water because of sewage spills, which are common after a hurricane. Dr. Schaffner says that sewage spills introduce material into the water that bacteria like to feed on. The bacteria is only harmful if it can find a way to enter the body. “Vibrio vulnificus has the capacity, if you have a break in the skin, to get under your skin and cause sometimes cause really quite serious infections,” said Schaffner. That’s why Florida health officials warn to not enter the water if you have fresh cuts or scrapes. Individuals who are immunocompromised are most vulnerable to severe illness from this bacteria. The state department of health says that individuals with chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or weakened immune systems should wear proper foot protection to prevent cuts and injury caused by rocks and shells on the beach. V. vulnificus infections can also be caused by eating undercooked oysters and shellfish. “If you eat raw oysters and you are immune-compromised, you can get seriously ill,” said Schaffner. “Immune-compromised individuals are particularly susceptible and they are recommended not to eat raw oysters.” Florida health authorities warn the public to be aware of symptoms that may indicate a life-threatening condition, such as fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock), and blistering skin lesions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes that rapid antibiotic treatment can successfully stop the infection, preventing further spread of infection to healthy tissues. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology says that infected and dead tissue must be removed by surgery or it will affect the person’s ability to recover. “You may have to cut out all that dead tissue to prevent the further spread of the infection, so you can be left with substantial disabilities even after the infection itself has been cured,” said Schaffner. Necrotizing fasciitis is rarely contagious, but it can be tricky to diagnose because its symptoms resemble other conditions or types of infection. Early symptoms may include:
A red or swollen area of skin that spreads quicklySevere pain, including pain beyond the area of the skin that is red or swollenFever
Later symptoms include:
Ulcers, blisters, or black spots on the skinChanges in the color of the skinPus or oozing from the infected areaDizzinessFatigueDiarrhea or nausea
“If you do suspect you have flesh-eating disease, the sooner you get treatment the better,” said Schaffner.
