Florida reports record Vibrio vulnificus season in 2024

Florida state health officials reported a record number of Vibrio vulnificus cases and deaths in 2024, triggered by 2 week, back to back hurricanes on the west coast of the state in late September and early October.

According to official state data, Florida reported 83 V. vibrio cases and 18 deaths last year, topping the previous record in the year of Hurricane Ian, 2022, when 74 cases and 17 deaths were recorded.

Last year on September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm and two weeks later, on October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida as a dangerous Category 3 storm, wrecking coastal communities that were already struggling to recover from previous storms.

In 2024 Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties experienced unusual increase due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

Vibrio bacteria, commonly found in warm coastal waters, can cause illness when ingested or when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water. After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria may rise, particularly in brackish and saltwater environments.

Vibrio vulnificus: Risk, transmission, disease and prevention

What You Need to Know

1. Risk Factors: Individuals who have compromised immune systems, liver disease, or open wounds are at higher risk for Vibrio vulnificus.

2. Symptoms: Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, fast or high heart rate, confusion, or disorientation.

3. When to Seek Medical Attention: Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms associated with Vibrio vulnificus, especially after exposure to floodwaters.

4. Safety Precautions:

   • Avoid swimming or wading in floodwaters, standing water, sea water, and brackish water, if possible.

   • Cover open cuts or wounds with waterproof bandages if they could come in contact with floodwaters, standing water, sea water, or brackish water.

   • Wash skin and any open cuts or wounds thoroughly with soap and clean water after any contact with floodwaters.