- Lee County in southwest Florida, where Hurricane Ian made landfall Sept. 28, is experiencing storm surges that have led to potentially deadly infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus.
- This bacteria is found in warm, brackish water, can enter the body through cuts and open wounds, and can cause severe, potentially life-threatening infections.
- Vibrio vulnificus is known as a flesh-eating bacteria because primary skin infections can devolve into necrotizing fasciitis, a rare condition that causes tissue breakdown and at times requires amputation to prevent further spread.
