As Florida recovers from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, residents are now on alert for a rare but dangerous bacteria thriving in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The passage of hurricanes has created ideal conditions for this bacteria to spread like meat, which represents a serious risk to the health of those exposed to contaminated waters, who are currently a large number of citizens seeking to return to normality.
The bacteria in question is called Vibrio vulnificus. According to data from the Florida Department of Health, vibrios are bacteria found in estuarine and marine environments. These enter filter-feeding animals, such as shellfish, and can also be found freely in seawater. Vibrio vulnificus It develops in warm waters, such as those off the coast of Florida, and can enter the human body by consuming contaminated food or through open wounds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) They warn that this microorganism can be fatal, and highlight that “many infected people need intensive care or amputation of limbs” due to the rapid evolution of the infection.
Hurricanes and vibrio vulnificus
La bacteria Vibrio vulnificus It naturally lives in coastal waters, in the warm temperatures of the bays, estuaries and beaches of Florida. The bacteria typically become a public health problem during the summer, when water temperatures rise and thunderstorms increase freshwater runoff, diluting seawater and creating the brackish environment where the bacteria develop. bacterium.
Hurricanes amplify this risk. When a major storm hits, flooding from torrential rains and storm surge spreads bacteria-laden water across streets, homes and communities, exposing more people to the pathogen.
In the past, hurricanes such as Katrina, Irma and Ian contributed to the increase in the number of infections. Vibrio vulnificus. For example, following Hurricane Ian in 2022, Florida saw a surge in cases, with 74 confirmed infections, well above the state average. This increase in infections occurred after the flooding of coastal areas, where more people inadvertently came into contact with contaminated water.
The storm surge and flooding caused by both Milton and Helene have led to increased exposure to contaminated waters, increasing the risk for residents who may have come into contact with the bacteria through open wounds or by consuming contaminated shellfish.
Research has shown that the strains of Vibrio vulnificus Those found in colder months tend to be more virulent, meaning they can cause more serious infections. This is because bacteria from colder waters need to be more resistant to survive and are therefore more dangerous when they infect a human host.
Risks
infections due to Vibrio vulnificusalthough rare, are extremely serious and can be life-threatening. The bacteria usually enters the body by consuming contaminated food, but also through open wounds exposed to contaminated water, making flooded streets and stagnant water in post-hurricane environments especially dangerous. Once inside the body, the infection can progress rapidly and cause necrotizing fasciitis, a serious disease in which the flesh surrounding the wound dies, which is why it has become known as a bacteria. like meat.
People with underlying health problems, such as liver disease or diabetes, or a weakened immune system, are at higher risk. In these people, the infection can escalate to septicemia (blood poisoning), which has a 35% mortality rate. In 2023, Florida recorded 46 cases of infections Vibrio vulnificuswhich caused 11 deaths. The rapid replication of the bacteria and its aggressive nature mean that symptoms such as fever, chills and blistering skin lesions can worsen quickly, and in some cases death occurs in just two days.
Investigation
Despite the severity of these infections, the Vibrio vulnificus It has not been deeply investigated due to its rarity. Experts like microbiologist Paul Gulig have spent years studying the bacteria to try to better understand its behavior and identify strains that pose the greatest risks. Although the development of a vaccine is unlikely, Gulig believes that improving prediction models—perhaps tracking bacterial growth patterns in hot and cold water—could help Florida residents anticipate when the risk is greatest. of infection.
Likewise, he maintains that it is essential to increase public awareness and understanding of the risks associated with the bacteria, especially after hurricanes, when the risk of exposure increases. He also mentions the difficulties in getting funding for Vibrio research due to its rarity and the misconception that avoiding eating raw oysters is a sufficient solution.
He Florida health department recommends Avoid eating raw oysters or other raw shellfish. Always cook seafood well, such as oysters, clams and mussels. For shellfish that are still in their shells, they can be boiled until the shells open and then boiled again for five more minutes, or steamed until the shells open and then cooked for nine more minutes and Discard any shells that do not open during cooking. When cooking shucked oysters, it is best to make sure they are boiled for at least three minutes or fried in oil at 375°F (190°C) for at least ten minutes. To avoid cross-contamination, cooked seafood should be kept separate from raw seafood and its juices, and consumed immediately after cooking, refrigerating leftovers. When handling raw seafood, it is advisable to use protection, such as gloves. Additionally, you should avoid exposing open wounds or broken skin to hot salt or brackish water, as well as raw seafood collected in these waters.
