TAMPA, Fla. – Florida leads the nation in instances of Vibrio vulnificus — a uncommon however lethal flesh-eating micro organism that thrives in heat, brackish water.
What we all know:
New information from the Florida Division of Well being reveals 11 confirmed instances within the first half of 2025, together with 4 deaths. A kind of deaths occurred in Hillsborough County.
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Specialists say the micro organism enters the physique by way of open wounds or scratches, particularly when folks swim or wade in brackish water — a mixture of recent and salt water generally present in estuaries and canals.
By the numbers:
Thus far, 11 confirmed instances of Vibrio vulnificus have been reported in Florida this 12 months. Of these, 4 deaths have been reported statewide, together with one in Hillsborough County.
In 2024, there have been 82 instances and 19 deaths, numbers pushed up by post-hurricane flooding.
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What they’re saying:
“It often comes from brackish water,” mentioned Dr. John Sinnott, USF professor of drugs. “You will get it by getting into the water with an open wound and even only a scratch in your foot or leg.”
Sinnott defined that in hurricane season final 12 months, many Florida counties had been underwater, creating perfect situations for the micro organism to thrive.
“Folks had been making an attempt to rescue pets or belongings,” Sinnott mentioned. “They weren’t desirous about what was occurring to their legs or ft.”
He added that the an infection usually begins as a reddish rash or streak and might change into extraordinarily painful inside 12 to 36 hours if left untreated.
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Why it is best to care:
Sinnott warns that instances often peak in August — when water temperatures are at their warmest, permitting the micro organism to copy shortly. He advises completely cleansing any wounds acquired within the water with cleaning soap and water, making use of triple antibiotic ointment, and monitoring the world intently for indicators of an infection.
The backstory:
Because the pandemic, the variety of flesh-eating micro organism instances in Florida has steadily climbed. Sinnott believes the state’s rising inhabitants — particularly newcomers unfamiliar with Florida’s water situations — is partly accountable.
“In case you discuss to an previous Florida cracker, they know what we’re speaking about. In case you simply received right here from Detroit, you’ll be scratching your head about what brackish water is,” Sinnott mentioned.
The Supply: This story relies on new information from the Florida Division of Well being and an interview with Dr. John Sinnott, a professor of drugs on the College of South Florida. FOX 13’s Jordan Bowen contributed reporting from Tampa.
