Florida communities devastated by Hurricane Ian are facing a new threat of flesh-eating bacteria — weeks after the massive storm swept across the state, the NY Post reports. The Sunshine State reported 65 infections of Vibrio vulnificus this year, while there were only 37 cases reported prior to the storm that made landfall on Sept. 28, according to Florida Department of Health data.
Lee County, home to the Ian-ravaged communities of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island, accounts for most new cases of Vibrio vulnificus, which eats away at the flesh in open wounds.
At least 11 people in the Sunshine State have died from Vibrio vulnificus infection this year, according to Florida Department of Health data. There were only 10 deaths and 34 cases of the bacteria reported last year.
