Florida reports 13 deaths from rare flesh-eating bacteria after hurricanes

State sees spike in cases related to hurricane activity as bacteria rises ‘after heavy rainfall and flooding’

Thirteen people have died from rare flesh-eating bacteria infections in Florida this year amid a spike in cases related to hurricane activity in the state.

Florida health authorities said there have been 74 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections in 2024, compared with 46 cases and 11 deaths in 2023.