Hurricane Isaias Raises ‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria Risk for Gulf Coast
Summary
Hurricane Isaias is approaching the Gulf Coast and could cause dangerous flooding. Experts warn that this flooding may increase the risk of infections from Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium known as "flesh-eating bacteria," which thrives in warm coastal waters and can cause serious illness if it enters open wounds.Key Facts
- Hurricane Isaias is the first Atlantic hurricane of 2026 and is forecasted to bring a life-threatening storm surge to the northern Gulf Coast.
- Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium found in warm coastal and brackish waters that can cause severe infections, often called "flesh-eating bacteria."
- People can become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish or by exposing open wounds to contaminated water.
- Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, fever, and severe wound infections that may destroy skin tissue.
- After Hurricane Ian in 2022, southwest Florida had a 1,100% increase in Vibrio infections compared to normal years, with 11 deaths linked to the infections.
- Similar infection spikes were seen after Hurricanes Katrina in 2005 and Milton/Helene in 2024.
- Health officials advise people to avoid floodwater if they have open wounds and to seek medical help quickly if infection signs appear.
- Florida has already reported more Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death this year, mostly linked to summer recreational water exposure.
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