Florida Residents experienced a rise in flesh-eating bacteria cases in the aftermath of the already impactful Hurricane Ian that hit lad September 28.

UsNews.com wrote, “The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is observing an abnormal increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections as a result of exposure to the floodwaters and standing waters following Hurricane Ian.” 

According to the CDC, humans can receive this infection by getting seawater on an open wound, cut, sore or puncture., vibrio bacteria naturally lives in certain coastal waters and are present in higher concentrations usually between May and October, when water temperatures are warmer.

Vibrio vulnificus can cause life-threatening wound infections. 

Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection require intensive care or limb amputations, and about 1 in 5 people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill.

There are at least 29 cases and four deaths in Lee County, according to data updated last Friday.

There are many families who have stayed in Florida even through all the tragedy. 

Anyone can get sick from vibriosis, but you may be more likely to get an infection or severe complications if you suffer from liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or thalassemia Receive immune-suppressing therapy for the treatment of disease Take medicine to decrease stomach acid levels have had recent stomach surgery.

The CDC said there are prevention tips for the people who live in Florida, including not eating raw or undercooked oysters or other shellfish, washing hands with soap and water after handing raw shellfish, avoiding contaminating cooked shellfish with raw shellfish and its juices. Also, the CDC recommended staying out of salt water or brackish water if there is a wound present. 

So, while the bacteria may be dangerous, it does seem that there are ways to avoid the dangers.