Floods caused by hurricanes Helene y Milton They have left devastating consequences, which go beyond the deaths of hundreds of people and the serious structural damage in various communities. These disasters have also generated less visible, but equally dangerous threats, such as serious diseases transmitted by contaminated water. He Florida Department of Health has reported 70 cases of infected people and 11 deaths related to the bacteria Vibrio vulnificuswhich the media has referred to as “flesh-eating bacteria.”
Faced with this alarming situation, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an urgent warning, urging the population to avoid contact with standing water, especially in the areas most affected by flooding. According to the health authorities report, this bacteria has been responsible for the death of one person in Charlotte County, two in Duval, one in Hernando, two in Palm Beach, one in Pasco, one in Pinellas, two in Seminole and one in Walton. In addition, other counties such as Alachua, Brevard, Citrus, Escambia, Hillsborough, Lee, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Volusia and Walton have also reported cases of infection.
Vibrio vulnificus It is a bacteria that proliferates in warm waters, such as those in the coastal areas of Florida, and that can enter the human body through open wounds, cuts or recent scratches. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that this microorganism can be lethal, and have noted that “many infected people require intensive care or limb amputation” due to the rapid progression of the infection.
A man walks through the water that floods the street after Hurricane Milton, on October 9 in Sarasota, Florida.Joe Raedle (Getty Images)
Infections are not only caused by exposure to contaminated water, but also by the consumption of raw or undercooked oysters, fish and shellfish. The CDC says that the initial symptoms of a flu infection Vibrio vulnificus They include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and low blood pressure. Skin lesions may also appear, such as blisters, redness, swelling, a feeling of heat, and discoloration in the affected area. If not treated immediately with specific antibiotics, the infection can progress rapidly, becoming fatal within hours or days.
Although anyone can contract this bacteria, those most at risk are those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, thalassemia, as well as those taking immunosuppressants or medications that reduce stomach acid production.
Preventive measures
To protect yourself from this dangerous bacteria, the CDC suggests several preventive measures. The use of gloves and rubber boots is essential when handling objects that have been in contact with contaminated water. Additionally, affected surfaces should be carefully cleaned with soap and water, followed by disinfection with a bleach solution to eliminate any potential pathogens. It is also recommended to avoid eating raw shellfish and pay special attention to any wounds exposed to contaminated water.
The viral case of model Jennifer Barlow
A case that has captured media attention is that of the American model Jennifer Barlow, who made public her experience with a coronavirus infection. Vibrio vulnificus after a vacation on the coast of the Bahamas in January 2023. Barlow reported on his social networks that, upon returning to Atlanta, he began to notice an alarming swelling in his left leg. She described the swelling as being so severe that “her knee had tripled in size,” prompting her to immediately seek medical attention. However, due to the severity of the infection, this young woman had to have her infected leg amputated.
