Hurricane Milton aftermath: Floodwaters harbor unseen peril
A major cleanup operation is underway following Hurricane Milton in the United States. Although the winds have weakened, floodwaters now threaten residents in Florida.
American meteorologists warned that Milton could be one of the most destructive hurricanes in history. It gathered strength from the very warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and, as confirmed, twice reached Category 5 hurricane status. The maximum sustained wind speed reached nearly 330 km/h. Now, health experts warn of an invisible threat lurking in the floodwaters.
Milton has left dangerous waters behind
This concerns a bacterium called Vibrio vulnificus, against which the Florida Department of Health has warned.
"Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms associated with Vibrio vulnificus, especially after exposure to floodwaters," the issued statement reads.
Over 10 species of this type of bacteria cause diseases in humans and animals. Vibrio vulnificus is one of the rarest; however, infections caused by it are among the most serious. These bacteria naturally occur in coastal waters of certain regions of the United States, especially during warmer months (from May to October). Milton pushed these waters inland. Additionally, factors increasing the rate of Vibrio vulnificus multiplication include heavy rainfall and the mixing of salt and fresh waters.
Vibrio is a threat to humans
Vibrio vulnificus poses a threat primarily when the bacteria come into contact with a wound on the body or affect someone with a weakened immune system. This can lead to an infection called vibriosis.
The main symptoms are vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. In some cases, an infection with Vibrio vulnificus can also lead to localised infections (e.g., around a pre-existing wound on the body), causing pain, swelling, and discolouration. These can lead to life-threatening situations, sometimes requiring surgery and even amputation.
Vibrio infections occur in the United States, particularly in areas around the Gulf of Mexico. As of 4 October, there were 64 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida's medical databases.
