Florida health officials warned residents and visitors to avoid floodwaters because of the rising number of cases involving a flesh-eating, life-threatening bacteria.

Florida health officials noted that six Tampa Bay area counties saw an "unusual increase" in cases of Vibrio vulnificus this year, attributed to floodwaters from back-to-back hurricanes.

We're tracking a spike of cases in vibrio, a flesh-eating bacteria, after hurricanes Helene and Milton hit Southwest Florida.

There have been 70 confirmed Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida, and more than half of them have happened since September 2024, according to FDOH

TAMPA, Fla. — Following the events of hurricanes Helene and Milton, health officials are urging Floridians to avoid floodwaters due to an increased risk of flesh-eating bacteria. The Florida Department of Health says there is an increased risk of vibrio vulnificus, which can cause illness when ingested or when it comes in contact with open wounds.

Florida health officials noted that six Tampa Bay area counties saw an “unusual increase” in cases of Vibrio vulnificus this year, attributed to floodwaters from back-to-back

Florida has seen a recent increase in confirmed cases of flesh-eating bacteria following the devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to state health department data.