Florida flesh-eating illness cases spike after Hurricane Ian

The devastation from Hurricane Ian – which tore through Lee County, Florida, has now seen a rise in flesh-eating bacteria illnesses and deaths. 

Officials say they have recorded 29 illnesses and four deaths owing to the bacteria. 

All but two cases were diagnosed after the hurricane. 

Vibrio vulnificus infections can be caused after bacteria enters the body through open cuts. The bacteria lives in brackish water, like standing floodwaters. 

Across Florida state, there have been a record 11 confirmed deaths attributed to the bacterium this year, and a total of 65 cases, according to state health data. Officials say nearly half are related to Hurricane Ian.