Following previous hurricanes, Florida has seen an increase in cases of flesh-eating bacteria

Researcher is holding Petri dish of Vibrio vulnificus (flesh-eating bacteria) – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Arpon Pongkasetkam Following recent hurricanes, Florida health officials are reporting a rise in instances of Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria that may cause diseases that consume flesh. According to data released by the Florida Department of Health on Friday, there

The worst of the stench-filled sargassum invasion has not yet reached Florida beaches

Sargassum (seaweed) pollution — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Bret Reyes There aren’t many more summer weekends left, and people are hoping that the foul-smelling sargassum seaweed that covered Florida’s beaches last year won’t return. Sargassum invaded the Sunshine State in historic numbers during the spring and summer of last year, but so far in 2024, far

Ron DeSantis stops beach closures in Florida despite warnings of “fecal pollution”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Hunter Crenian A law that would have allowed the state to close beaches if testing revealed the water does not meet the state’s health requirements has been rejected by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis made the announcement this week, even though just two months prior, Florida residents

Five deaths from ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria have been reported by Florida officials in Tampa Bay since January

Flesh-eating bacteria found on in Tampa Bay (Not pictured); No Swimming Advisory Sign On Beach – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Jean Faucett According to Florida officials, five people have been proven deceased in the Tampa Bay area as a result of a flesh-eating bacteria that is known to lurk near beaches. The vibrio vulnificus

According to the CDC, Leprosy can be endemic in the Sunshine State

Close-up view of bacteria that causes leprosy – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Photo By Kateryna Kon Increasing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that leprosy, commonly known as Hansen’s disease, is spreading endemic in the Southeast United States.   According to a recent research letter from the CDC, 81 percent of cases recorded

Flesh-eating bacteria on Florida beaches? Seaweed-plastic blend raises issues, according to a study

Stinky Seaweed Covering Florida – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by nomis_h According to a professor of coastal science at Florida International University who spoke to Local 10 News in March, this summer may see the biggest bloom of Sargassum, or thick, brown, tangled lumps of seaweed, on South Florida beaches. The seaweed that has washed

Florida ice cream may have caused the listeria outbreak earlier this year, according to the CDC

Hand Scoops Ice Cream from Fridge – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Zoran Photographer A Florida ice cream company that health officials have linked to a multistate outbreak was sued on Tuesday by the estate of an Illinois woman who passed away earlier this year after contracting listeria. According to the lawsuit submitted in the