Vibrio bacteria in the floodwaters after Florida’s hurricanes

In the wake of hurricanes, the floodwaters in Florida revealed a notable increase in Vibrio bacteria, having the potential to cause life-threatening infections and, in some cases, mortality. In 2024, Florida recorded 81 instances of Vibrio vulnificus, the most virulent form of the Vibrio bacteria. It is estimated that approximately half of these cases occurred after the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on various parts of the state. As experts in the field have observed, the bacterium Vibrio exhibits a preference for warmer waters, and the occurrence of hurricanes is typically highest during periods of warmest water temperatures. Furthermore, as the temperature increases, the generation time of these organisms decreases, resulting in a higher rate of division. The deterioration of septic systems in the United States has been identified as a significant contributing factor to the proliferation of bacteria and other pathogens in floodwaters and wastewater. Gastrointestinal infections and cases of cholera have been documented as one of the most significant consequences of hurricanes and other tropical cyclones. There is a notable tendency for these diseases to increase in prevalence following flooding events.