SShortly after the heavy rains and storm surge from Hurricane Helen subsided, the Florida Department of Health faced a new but familiar challenge. They recorded an increase. reported A case of vibriosis is characterized by skin swelling, redness, pain, and blisters at the wound site, along with fever and nausea. For some, the infection was life-threatening. As of October 25, 2024, there were 77 cases and 15 deaths. This is an increase from 2023, when there were 46 cases and 11 deaths.
These infections are caused by naturally occurring waterborne bacteria. Vibrio vulnificus. It has been described in several media outlets. V. vulnificus A species of “flesh-eating” bacteria, but experts say this explanation misleading. “As the name suggests, it doesn’t actually break down into flesh on contact.” Gabriel Barbaright-McHenryis a microbiologist and public outreach officer at Florida Atlantic University. Symptoms of later stages of infection may include tissue necrosis around open wounds; vibrio Even long-term exposure cannot destroy healthy, intact skin.
vibrio A group of marine bacteria that thrive in warm, brackish oceans where freshwater mixes with saltwater, such as estuaries off the Florida coast. Most species are harmless to humans, but some are V. vulnificusIt may cause infection.
“They’ve always been here and they always will be,” Barbarite-McHenry said. “I like to compare it to rip currents, lightning and sharks. That’s just part of what exists in nature. [doing recreation] “You just have to be careful and careful to prevent infection.”
Although rare, infections may occur in individuals with open wounds due to prolonged exposure to water with high levels of bacteria or by consuming raw or contaminated seafood. Within hours to days after exposure, individuals may experience symptoms of vibriosis. V. vulnificus infection It can be serious and life-threatening, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.1 If bacteria spread to the bloodstream, fever, chills, shock, and death may occur.
During graduate school, Barbarite-McHenry’s research focused on fishermen exposed to pathogens in the Indian River Lagoon, an estuary on Florida’s Atlantic coast. She said the story was always the same for people who died from severe vibriosis. “They got up really early and went fishing. I was hurt, exposed, and went home and took a nap. When they woke up and had to go to the hospital, it was too late to get treatment. So, while this is certainly a serious infection, it is very preventable if people are aware of it or are proactive about it.”
In the United States, the highest number of cases of vibriosis occurs in Florida, with most infections reported during the summer months when water temperatures are warmest and precipitation is highest. This also coincides with hurricane season, when subsequent storm surges and coastal flooding lower the salinity of local waters, making them more livable. V. vulnificus. “The West Coast, where we see a lot of flooding, is where we see storm-related infections,” Barbarite-McHenry said.
Recent surges in vibriosis infections are not uncommon. In September 2022, the Florida Department of Health reported: increase Infections and deaths from Hurricane Ian.2 In a paper published in 2023 MbioResearchers at the University of Maryland used metagenomics to profile microorganisms Present in waters and oysters along the Florida Gulf Coast following Hurricane Ian.3 furthermore V. vulnificusThe team V. parahaemolyticusAnother pathogenic vibrio Species that cause vibriosis.
The study also showed that there are cases where: V. vulnificus Infections in Florida increased fivefold between 1992 and 2022. Many experts say climate change Coastal communities continue to Increased risk of vibriosis.4,5
“This time of year, it’s all in the headlines, but these bacteria are actually here all year long,” Barbarite-McHenry said. “It is common to see an increase in infections at this time of year, but the best part is that prevention is very easy. People just need to be aware of this and take the necessary precautions.”
For more information about preventing vibrio infection (vibriosis): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FL DOH.
