Communities affected by the storm have seen an uptick in dangerous bacteria.

Last month, the category 4 storm Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida, causing extensive property damage and flooding. Even now, over a month later, clean-up efforts are still ongoing, with many previously accessible areas still remaining flooded. For the communities that were in the storm’s direct path, however, a new concern has begun to arise.

In Lee County, the Florida county where Ian first made landfall, bacterial infection cases are on the rise. Specifically, the infections are caused by Vibrio vulnificus, also known as “flesh-eating bacteria” due to their tendency to cause tissue breakdown and potential sepsis. Local authorities believe this uptick of infections resulted from individuals with open cuts or sores on their bodies being exposed to tainted floodwaters.

“The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is observing an abnormal increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections as a result of exposure to the flood-waters and standing waters following Hurricane Ian,” a spokesperson of the county’s health department said this week.

The spokesperson advised Lee County residents to “always be aware of the potential risks associated when exposing open wounds, cuts, or scratches on the skin to warm, brackish, or salt water”.

“Sewage spills, like those caused from Hurricane Ian, may increase bacteria levels,” they added. “As the post-storm situation evolves, individuals should take precautions against infection and illness caused by Vibrio vulnificus.”

So far, around 65 cases of illness caused by Vibrio vulnificus have been confirmed in Florida so far this year, with roughly half of that number being directly attributed to floodwaters and damage caused by Hurricane Ian. Anyone with potential signs of infection is urged to seek immediate medical attention.