6 Florida counties saw 'unusual increase' in flesh-eating bacteria after hurricanes: health officials

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) - 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.

Vibrio vulnificus is a so-called "flesh-eating bacteria" that lives in warm seawater. Infection, which is rare, occurs when cuts and wounds come into direct contact with seawater or when someone eats raw shellfish, particularly oysters.

Climate change gave significant boost to Milton’s destructive rain...