JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Flesh-eating bacteria cases have more than doubled since Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, the Florida Department of Health said.
Two people in Duval County have died of the bacteria, according to the Florida Times Union. More than 37 cases were reported in September.
Dr. Chad Neilson, director of infection prevention at UF Health Jacksonville, said flesh-eating bacteria can be found in floodwaters, and he wants people to understand the seriousness of the disease.
"This bacteria thrives in warm waters, especially after hurricanes, and it gets into people’s cuts and scrapes and causes any number of symptoms," he said.
The two deaths in Duval County were not attributed to the recent storms.
While flesh-eating bacteria can be deadly, Neilson said it can be treatable if caught in time.
“It might still cause an amputation of a limb because people will typically get those wounds, that turn necrotizing on their arms or legs. It might end up an amputation to stop the bacteria from spreading, but it is survivable in most people," Neilson said.
Right now, Pinellas County is reporting the most cases, at 13.