Florida reports most Vibrio vulnificus cases since 2017, excluding 2022 (Hurricane Ian)

Florida state health authorities have reported 43 Vibrio vulnificus cases through October 13 this year. This is the most cases in a single year (2017- 50 cases) with the exception of 2022 when an abnormal increase in cases were reported in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian (74).

Image by Gordon Johnson

Counties recording the most cases include Sarasota with five and Escambia, Hillsborough, Lll reporting four.

In addition, 10 deaths were reported-Sarasota and Hillsborough counties reporting two fatalities each and Broward, Charlotte, Duval, Manatee, Pasco and Polk reported one each.

Florida has reported 603 V. vulnificus cases and 154 deaths since 2008.

Vibrio vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat contaminated seafood or have an open wound that is exposed to warm seawater containing the bacteria. Ingestion of Vibrio vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Vibrio vulnificus can also cause an infection of the skin when open wounds are exposed to warm seawater; these infections may lead to skin breakdown and ulcers.

Healthy individuals typically develop a mild disease; however, Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease.

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The bacterium can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe and life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock) and blistering skin lesions. Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50 percent of the time. A recent study showed that people with these pre-existing medical conditions were 80 times more likely to develop Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections than healthy people.