Deadly cases of flesh-eating bacteria skyrocket in Florida

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The Florida Department of Health reported an increase in the number of cases of flesh-eating bacteria, driven largely by those reported in areas devastated by Hurricane Ian.

As of Friday, there have been 65 cases of vibrio vulnificus infections (a bacterium that causes serious wound infections and gastroenteritis)

so far this year, compared to 34 cases and 10 deaths reported during 2021.

In Lee County, where Ian washed ashore last month, the Health Department is reporting 29 cases and four deaths.

Residents of the Arden Villas apartments move belongings on September 30 after heavy rains from the hurricane. Orlando Sentinel via Getty Images

Health authorities did not determine how many of the cases occurred before or after Ian's arrival.

Lee County health officials had warned earlier this month that post-hurricane conditions -- including warm standing water -- could pose a danger from

"Flooding and standing water after a hurricane pose many risks, including infectious diseases such as Vibrio vulnificus," the county Health Department said in a news release on Oct. 3, also urging people to to take precautions.

[This is how you can apply for federal aid for a disaster after Hurricane Ian: we explain how to know if you qualify]

The advisory said that people with open wounds, cuts or scrapes

or brackish water.

People with open wounds should avoid such water and seek care immediately if an infection develops.