Monday, February 17, 2025

Killer Bacteria Surges in Pasco Waters – Hurricane Helene’s Hidden Threat

A potentially dangerous bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus has been found in Pasco County waters, with 4 cases and 1 death reported in 2024. The bacteria, which increased after Hurricane Helene, can infect people through open wounds in saltwater or by eating raw seafood. While not contagious between people, it’s especially dangerous for those with weakened immune systems. The Pasco County Health Department offers free wound care and 24/7 assistance to help residents stay safe while enjoying our local waters.

Important Alerts for Pasco County, FL Residents

  • 4 cases and 1 death reported in Pasco County (2024)
  • Cases increased after Hurricane Helene, with warnings given at beaches and boat docks.
  • Free wound care available at all Pasco Health Department locations
  • Emergency Hotline: 1-850-245-4444

Understanding Vibrio Vulnificus in Our Community

The presence of Vibrio vulnificus in our local waters has raised concerns among Pasco residents. This guide will help you understand the risks and take proper precautions.

What Is Vibrio Vulnificus?

Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria found in warm, salty water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it thrives in water temperatures above 68°F (20°C), making our Gulf Coast waters an ideal environment, especially during summer months.

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that normally lives in warm seawater and is part of a group of vibrios that are called “halophilic” because they require salt.

Vibrio vulnificus infections are rare.

Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria in warm, brackish seawater.

Water and wounds do not mix. Do not enter the water if you have fresh cuts or scrapes.

Recent Trends in Our Area

Following Hurricane Helene, Florida Department of Health data shows Pasco County experienced an increase in cases. This pattern often occurs after major storms when more people come into contact with flood waters and debris.

Confirmed Cases of Vibrio Vulnificus

County2022
Cases
2022
Deaths
2023
Cases
2023
Deaths
2024
Cases
2024
Deaths
Alachua001020
Bay311010
Brevard411050
Broward213110
Charlotte102141
Citrus222130
Clay000010
Collier301010
Duval202142
Escambia514040
Gadsden001000
Hernando101031
Highlands110000
Hillsborough004272
Lake001000
Lee2884050
Leon101010
Manatee101100
Okaloosa204010
Palm Beach000022
Pasco002141
Pinellas1000141
Polk111100
St. Lucie001000
Santa Rosa400020
Sarasota106220
Seminole111022
Sumter000010
Volusia200020
Walton000021
Washington001000
Total:741746117413
Updated 4:54 p.m. ET, Tue Oct. 22, 2024 Via floridahealth.gov

High-Risk Groups That Should Take Extra Care:

  • Liver disease
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Cancer
  • Weakened immune systems
  • Elderly individuals

Two Ways People Get Infected:

1. Through Water Contact. Never Enter The Water With…

  • Fresh cuts or scrapes
  • Open wounds
  • Recent surgeries
  • Puncture wounds

2. Through Food. Avoid Consuming…

  • Raw oysters
  • Undercooked shellfish
  • Seafood that hasn’t been properly refrigerated

Prevention Is Key

For Water Activities:

Wear water shoes, cover wounds with waterproof bandages, and shower after swimming. If you get cut while in or around water, immediately clean the wound with soap and fresh water.

For Seafood Safety:

Cook shellfish thoroughly until shells open, then continue cooking for 5 more minutes. Keep raw and cooked seafood separate during preparation.

Warning Signs to Watch For

How can Vibrio vulnificus infection be diagnosed?

Vibrio vulnificus infection is diagnosed by stool, wound, or blood cultures. Notifying the laboratory when this infection is suspected helps because a special growth medium should be used to increase the diagnostic yield. Doctors should have a high suspicion for this organism when patients present with stomach illness, fever or shock following the ingestion of raw seafood, especially oysters, or with a wound infection after exposure to seawater.

After Water Exposure:

  • Redness around wounds
  • Swelling or warmth
  • Fever or chills
  • Spreading skin discoloration

After Eating Seafood:

  • Sudden stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fever
  • Severe drop in blood pressure

When to Seek Medical Care

Get immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms within 72 hours of:

  • Water exposure with open wounds
  • Eating raw/undercooked seafood
  • Getting injured in salt water

Treatment Information

Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial. Your doctor will determine the best treatment based on how you were infected and your symptoms.

Local Medical Resources

Emergency Care:

  • AdventHealth Central Pasco ER: (813) 328-4999
  • Morton Plant North Bay Hospital: (727) 842-8468
  • Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point: (727) 819-2929

Public Health Services:

  • Pasco County Health Department: (727) 619-0300
  • Florida Health 24/7 Hotline: 1-850-245-4444
  • FDA Seafood Safety: 1-800-332-4010

Stay Safe While Enjoying Our Waters

While Vibrio vulnificus requires attention, it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying Pasco’s beautiful waters. By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can significantly reduce your risk while still participating in water activities.

Remember: The key to prevention is awareness and proper precautions. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or the Pasco County Health Department.


Information maintained by Florida Department of Health in partnership with CDC

Last updated: October 23, 2024

For 24/7 assistance:

  • Emergency: 911
  • Pasco County Health Department: (727) 619-0300
  • Florida Health Emergency Line: 1-850-245-4444

    Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy our beautiful coastal waters responsibly!

Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Florida, Aripeka, Crystal Springs, Dade City, Holiday, Hudson, Lacoochee, Land O Lakes, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Saint Leo, San Antonio, Spring Hill, Trilby, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Bay Pines, Belleair Beach, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Crystal Beach, Dunedin, Indian Rocks Beach, Largo, Oldsmar, Ozona, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Seminole, Tarpon Springs

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