Florida has seen a recent increase in confirmed cases of flesh-eating bacteria following the devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to state health department data.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene‘s destruction, two men have found solace in an unexpected act of kindness. Joel Baldree, who had planned to buy a home in the area before the storm hit, decided to search for salvageable items among the wreckage.

There have been 70 confirmed Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida, and more than half of them have happened since September 2024, according to FDOH

Hurricane Milton is bearing down on Florida, and the region is still racing to clean up from Helene, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

While Hurricane Milton will be bad enough on its own, many areas hit by Hurricane Helene will feel the effects of both.

People on Florida’s Gulf Coast have more to worry about after experiencing back-to-back hurricanes. Data shows a recent rise in cases of flesh-eating bacteria. The bacteria occurs naturally in warm coastal waters and lakes.

Florida health officials noted that six Tampa Bay area counties saw an “unusual increase” in cases of Vibrio vulnificus this year, attributed to floodwaters from back-to-back