Following Hurricane Milton’s landfall, Florida residents are facing new dangers beyond the storm’s destruction.
Health officials warn people to avoid floodwaters, which could contain dangerous bacteria like Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially deadly microorganism commonly found in coastal waters.
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has issued an alert, urging residents to stay away from floodwaters as they pose various threats, from sharp debris and live electrical wires to dangerous reptiles.
But perhaps the most sinister risk is Vibrio bacteria, which can cause serious infections if ingested or if it enters the body through open wounds.
Hurricane Milton hit the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday evening, bringing heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flash flooding to Florida and neighboring states. As the floodwaters continue to rise, so does the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Vibrio bacteria cause an estimated 80,000 infections in the U.S. each year, and health experts are concerned these numbers may increase as a result of hurricane-related flooding.
Vibrio vulnificus, the most dangerous of these bacteria, can lead to fatal infections.
“Vibrio vulnificus is really a nasty one, and if it’s left untreated and goes systemic, it can be fatal,” said Rita Colwell, a distinguished professor at the University of Maryland.
Those infected may experience severe symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, and disorientation. In extreme cases, infections may result in the need for limb amputation to save lives.
The Florida Department of Health is advising residents to seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit symptoms after exposure to floodwaters.
Individuals with weakened immune systems, liver disease, or open wounds are especially vulnerable to infection.
As a precaution, the department recommends avoiding swimming or wading in floodwaters, keeping wounds covered with waterproof bandages, and thoroughly washing skin after any contact with contaminated water.
As Florida continues to recover from Hurricane Milton, residents are urged to remain vigilant about the hidden risks that floodwaters bring, with the threat of dangerous bacteria adding to the long list of hazards.