The aftermath of Hurricane Ian has introduced a rise in reported infections of a uncommon flesh-eating micro organism in Florida.
There had been 65 instances of Vibrio vulnificus and 11 deaths within the state to this point this 12 months as of Friday, in line with the Florida Department of Health. It was up from 34 instances and 10 deaths reported in 2021.
Many of the infections – sometimes called a “flesh-eating” bacterial an infection – had been in Lee County, the place Ian made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on 28 September.
All however two of the 29 infections and 4 deaths recorded in Lee County had been identified after the hurricane, CNN reported.
Collier County reported three instances thought of storm-related.
“[The Florida Department of Health in Lee County] is observing an abnormal increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections as a result of exposure to the floodwaters and standing waters following Hurricane Ian,” a spokesperson advised the broadcaster.
“Since 29 September 2022, 26 cases of Vibrio vulnificus associated with Hurricane Ian have been reported to DOH-Lee. All 26 cases had wound infectious with exposure to Hurricane Ian floodwaters that occurred from the storm-surge entering their homes or during post-storm clean-up. There have been six deaths among Lee County residents.”
The Florida Department of Health stated Vibrio vulnificus usually lives in heat brackish seawater and infections are uncommon.
“Water and wounds do not mix,” it advises. “Do not enter the water if you have fresh cuts or scrapes.”
In a truth sheet on floodwater security, it stated individuals with open cuts and wounds ought to keep away from pores and skin contact with floodwaters.
People can even turn into contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus after they eat uncooked shellfish, significantly oysters.
The an infection could cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach ache. It can even trigger an an infection of the pores and skin when open wounds are uncovered to heat seawater, which may result in pores and skin breakdown and ulcers. It can even invade the bloodstream and trigger extreme and life-threatening sickness with signs like fever, chills, decreased blood strain and blistering pores and skin lesions.
Source: information.sky.com”