Mosquitoes, Mold, Flesh-Eating Bacteria: Post-Idalia Risks

FLORIDA — As floodwaters recede and cleanup continues after Hurricane Idalia made landfall on Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, Floridians face new, but familiar, risks like flesh-eating bacteria, mosquitoes and carbon monoxide poisoning, health officials warned Thursday.

At a news conference reported by The Tampa Bay Times, state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo urged Floridians to take precautions after Idalia to safeguard their health and the well-being of others.

Here’s a look at some of the dangers highlighted by Ladapo, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and others at Thursday’s briefing:

Vibrio vulnificus

One of the most prolific threats to Floridians following a hurricane is Vibrio vulnificus, an infection caused by a flesh-eating bacteria that thrives in floodwaters.

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed vibriosis cases surged following Hurricane Ian in 2022. According to the CDC, 38 confirmed cases associated with Ian were reported in Lee and Collier counties between Sept. 29 and Oct. 23 — a 1,100-percent increase over the 5-year median.

While most people become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, some Vibrio species cause a skin infection when an open wound is exposed to salt water or brackish water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Brackish water is a mixture of fresh and salt water, making flood waters ideal for some Vibrio bacteria.

While healthy people typically develop mild symptoms including watery diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever, the bacterium can invade the bloodstream of those with weakened immune symptoms. Symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions often accompany life-threatening infections.

Some Vibrio vulnificus infections lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies. This often is referred to as “flesh-eating bacteria.”

According to the CDC, many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection require intensive care or limb amputations. About 1 in 5 people with this infection die.

According to the Florida Department of Public Health, anyone with an open wound should stay out of flood water, standing water, seawater, and brackish water, if possible. If exposed, wear protective gear.

Mosquitoes

Standing water provides a “perfect, optimal breeding ground” for mosquitoes, said Ulyee Choe, director of the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, according to the Times.

Before Idalia, several Florida counties dealt with an uptick in mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue. So far this year, a total of 11 locally-acquired cases of dengue have been reported — nine in Miami-Dade and two in Broward, according to county health officials. Meanwhile, seven locally acquired malaria cases were reported in Sarasota County earlier this summer.

Health officials typically advise residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses. Start by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, applying bug spray, and avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitoes are most active.

Floridians can also:

• Drain and cover areas around their home where water might accumulate.
• Empty pet bowls, garbage cans, garbage can lids, bottles, tires and anything where water has accumulated.
• Use mosquito repellent when outside. Ensure it contains DEET (10 to 30 percent), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535. Use on bare skin and clothing.
• Wear shoes, socks, long sleeves and pants. Use mosquito netting to protect children less than 2 months old.
• Check and repair screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Mold

It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to develop in a flooded home, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and Florida’s humid climate only accelerates the risk.

Mold can affect a person’s health in a variety of ways. Symptoms of short-term mold exposure include stuffy nose and throat or eye irritation, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

However, exposure can be a severe health threat for those with asthma related to mold allergies. People with immune disorders or underlying lung disease are also more susceptible to fungal infections, according to the CDC.

“Mold is ubiquitous,” immunologist Dr. David Lang said. “There are molds in the air you’re breathing right now. But they are present in much higher levels when there has been water damage to carpeting, drywall or other parts of a home.”

Follow these tips to rid your home of mold quickly, according to FEMA:

• Open your home to fresh air. Do this only if the humidity is lower outside than inside. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry excess moisture.
• Remove all wet items. This includes furniture, toys and bedding.
• Clean up standing water and surfaces. Use a wet/dry vacuum to clean up standing water and clean hard surfaces with a 10% bleach solution.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Generators can be lifesavers after a hurricane when waiting for power to be restored, but if not used properly, they can also be deadly.

If you have a portable generator, do not use it inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area, according to FEMA guidance. Keep it outside of your living spaces and away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come inside. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that could kill you, your family and your pets.

Other items that can cause carbon monoxide poisoning include pressure washers, charcoal grills and camp stoves.

Be sure to check on your family and neighbors who may be using generators to remind them about the importance of keeping generators outside their homes and other enclosed spaces.