flood waters

Floodwaters bring increased risk of infections from Vibrio bacteria, The number of infections spiked after Hurricane Ian inundated Southwest Florida as a Category 4 storm in 2022.

The state Department of Health reports that as of Friday there have been 65 cases of vibrio vulnificus infections and 11 deaths this year. That compares with 34 cases and 10 deaths reported in 2021

Flooded streets have become such a way of life in South Florida that most people wade right through the puddles. Sometimes, when the ponds are a bit deeper, they even pull out kayaks, paddleboards or wakeboards.

With the heavy rains these past few days, Bay County health officials are urging residents to take proper precautions to prevent illnesses during and...