Spike in vibrio cases after Hurricane Ian

Reporter: Amy Oshier Writer: Jasmine Singletary
Published: Updated:
(CREDIT: WINK News)

A spike in vibrio cases after Hurricane Ian.

The death of a Michigan man who came here to help in the hurricane cleanup was not only eye-opening, we’ve now learned he is not the only person to die after being infected with a bacteria found in our waters.

Jim Hewitt likely didn’t know exactly what he was getting into when he drove to Naples to help a friend after Hurricane Ian. His daughter Kendall Smoes is a nurse in Michigan, who only learned about vibrio vulnificus when her dad became seriously ill.

“I have never heard of this type of infection vibrio that he was infected with and how deadly it was,” Smoes said.

The Florida Department of Health attributes a huge spike in cases related to Ian.

There are 65 confirmed cases now compared to 34 last year. So far, 11 people have died statewide following a vibrio infection.

The potentially deadly bacteria enters the body through wounds, cuts, and scratches. It is also found in raw oysters.

This bacteria flourishes in warm salty water. Hurricane Ian brought it closer to home. As more people got down and dirty to clean up their storm damage.

Hewitt died three days after cutting his leg while working on a boat. His infection turned to sepsis. Ilia Echevarria is a nurse with NCH where he was treated.

Ilia Echevarria, an associate chief nursing officer at NCH said, “Sepsis is dangerous because it is essentially an infectious disease process that can spread into the blood and really affect your organs.”

Lee County has the most cases and deaths at this point with 29 cases and four of them fatal. Each fatality is a tragedy and a reminder of the danger in our floodwaters.

The Florida Health Department issued a warning about vibrio advising people to be cautious working in or around salty water.

They recommend you carefully clean any cuts and seek medical help immediately if the wound swells or becomes painful.

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