Published:
23 oct 2024 01:42 GMT
The state Department of Health reported more than 70 cases of infected people and 13 deaths related to the ‘<a href="https://www.world-today-news.com/a-woman-contracts-meat-eating-bacteria-on-a-florida-beach/" title="A woman contracts "meat-eating" bacteria on a Florida beach”>Vibrio vulnificus‘ bacteria.
13 people have died after contracting a ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria in Florida so far in 2024, reported the US State Department of Health.
According to the government agency, the floods caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton have impacted the spread of serious diseases transmitted by contaminated water. Thus, more than 70 cases of infected people and 13 deaths linked to the infection were reported. bacteria ‘Vibrio vulnificus‘, known as a ‘carnivorous’ bacteria that lives in seawater and is capable of entering the body through open wounds or the consumption of contaminated seafood.
To date, there have been reports 74 cases of people infected in Florida this year, compared to 46 cases and 11 deaths in 2023. Meanwhile, in 2022, 74 cases of infection and 17 deaths were confirmed after Hurricane Ian and other tropical storms hit the state.
In such a situation, the Florida Department of Health urged in early October told residents of the state to avoid contact with flood waters, warning that those with open wounds are particularly vulnerable to such bacteria.
“Vibrio bacteria, usually found in warm coastal waters, can cause illness when ingested or when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water. After strong rains and floodsthe concentration of these bacteria can increaseespecially in brackish water and salt water environments,” the official statement warns.
