Florida has seen a recent increase in confirmed cases of flesh-eating bacteria following the devastating hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to state health department data. Before Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, there were no reported cases in Pinellas County and one in Hillsborough County. Now, Pinellas has 13 confirmed cases, and there are seven in Hillsborough. Florida had six confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus in September before Hurricane Helene’s arrival but the number rose to 24 by the end of the month. There have been 38 confirmed cases since the hurricanes struck, bringing the total to 76 this year.

Source: CNN October 19, 2024 04:37 UTC