Flesh-eating bacteria still a killer but cases down in SW Florida compared to aftermath of Ian

Southwest Florida has seen two cases of flesh-eating bacteria recently but the overall number of infections statewide was down this past summer compared to a record-setting 2022, according to data.

One case of the rare Vibrio vulnificus was reported this month in Collier County and Lee County had one case in August, according to the state Department of Health.

There have been 41 cases and nine deaths statewide so far this year, but that is way below last year when Florida saw a record 74 cases and 17 deaths, mostly tied to Hurricane Ian last Sept. 28.

Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria found in warm brackish water, a mix of salt and fresh water, which is more common in the summer months from May to October, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hurricanes and tropical storms can elevate brackish water along the coast and in canals with rainwater, pollutants, sewage, and debris that elevate bacteria levels.

The CDC issued a health advisory about Vibrio vulnificus Sept. 1 because of the above average sea-surface water temperature in the U.S.

The Vibrio vulnificus bacteria can infect someone with an open wound, like a cut, and can cause the skin and soft tissue around the wound to quickly break down. Treatment may require limb amputation to stop the rapid flesh deterioration and death can occur.

More:Video: What is Vibrio Vulnificus?

More:Michigan family mourns loved one who came to Naples to help, acquires deadly infection

Local cases tied to Hurricane Idalia?

It’s not clear if the two recent cases in Lee and Collier counties are tied to Hurricane Idalia that came through Southwest Florida Aug. 29 before heading up the coast into the northern part of the state.

“Vibrio is difficult to know with certainty where the person contracted it,” said Jae Williams, spokesman for the state health department in Tallahassee.  “As far as I know, we haven’t had any cases associated with Idalia.”

Infection can also occur by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.

Open wounds can include a recent surgery, piercing, tattoo, and other cuts or scrapes.

People with chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or weakened immune system, should wear proper foot protection to prevent cuts and injury caused by rocks and shells on the beach.

According to the CDC, roughly 80,000 people each year are infected with vibrio vulnificus and 100 people die.

So what about this summer compared to last year?

Many of last year’s cases of Vibrio vulnificus were tied to Hurricane Ian that struck Southwest Florida Sept. 28 with record storm surge and Category 4 winds that devastated Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Pine Island and other coastal areas.

Lee County accounted for 28 of the Ian-related vibrio cases and eight deaths.

So far in 2023, Lee has had four cases and no deaths, according to DOH.

Hillsborough, Sarasota, Escambia, and Okaloosa also account for four cases each, according to state data.

Charlotte and Broward each have had three cases, and Pasco has had two cases.

Besides Collier with one case, Alachua, Bay, Brevard, Citrus, Gadsden, Hernando, Leon, Manatee, Polk, St. Lucie, Seminole and Washington counties have all had one case so far this year.

Two people have died each in Sarasota and Hillsborough, and one death has occurred each in Broward, Charlotte, Manatee, Pasco, and Polk counties.