Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged people surrounded by standing stormwater from Hurricane Milton to avoid walking through it because bacteria could be growing.
“Never walk through rainwater. Standing stormwater can also carry bacteria that can lead to fatal infections. This type of infection was involved in one fatality after Hurricane Helene,” DeSantis said at a press conference this Thursday (10).
A bacteria called Vibrio has caused deaths after several hurricanes, including Katrina and Ian, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been nine deaths in Florida from the bacteria as of October 4, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Dr. Ben Abo, an emergency services physician from Florida, told Brianna Keilar of CNN that “flesh-eating” bacteria are “absolutely a possibility” after Hurricane Milton.
“The best thing to do is really avoid it,” Abo said, adding that first responders will come to rescue those who are trapped.
“We’re getting there, so if you don’t need to, don’t go in the water. We have the equipment and skills to be able to get him out safely,” he said.
The emergency physician and toxinologist added: “If you have skin and there is an opening of any size, you are vulnerable.”
Abo advised those who were exposed to rainwater to clean the areas with soap and water and seek medical treatment if they develop signs of infection, including fever, or areas on the skin that feel hot or tender to the touch.
Hurricane Milton leaves deaths and destruction
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, as a dangerous Category 3 storm, generating strong winds and rain, as well as flooding and tornadoes.
It weakened to Category 1 as it crossed the state and moved offshore, according to the US National Hurricane Center.
Still, the storm left a trail of destruction, roofing houses, knocking down trees, poles and a crane.
Twelve people died after the hurricane hit, according to authorities.
Milton is the third hurricane to hit Florida this year, leaving more than 3 million people without power in the state. Wind gusts of 100 mph were recorded near Tampa.
This content was originally published in Hurricane Milton: Flesh-eating bacteria may be growing in the waters, authorities warn on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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