As Hurricane Isaias, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2026, approaches the Gulf Coast, experts are warning of a danger beyond the high winds and flooding—an increased risk of Vibrio vulnificus, or flesh-eating bacteria infection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting an increasing likelihood of life-threatening storm surge along portions of the northern Gulf Coast, creating the kind of warm, brackish floodwater conditions that experts say have been linked to Vibrio vulnificus infections after previous hurricanes. While hurricane warnings have urged residents to prepare for power outages, the possibility of flash flooding and to obey any evacuation orders, research microbiologist Craig Baker-Austin told Newsweek that the danger may not be over after the storm dies down.
A Vibrio vulnificus infection is a rare but severe illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus that naturally lives in warm coastal waters. People are most commonly infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, or getting seawater or brackish water into an open cut or wound. Health officials advise people to avoid exposing open wounds to floodwater or coastal waters after storms and to seek prompt medical attention if redness, swelling or blistering develops following exposure.
People with liver disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems and certain other chronic health conditions are considered at higher risk of severe illness. Initial symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that wound infections can rapidly worsen and may develop into necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection that destroys tissue beneath the skin.
That is why Vibrio vulnificus is often described as a "flesh-eating bacteria.” There is some evidence that hurricanes can be linked to increased cases of Vibrio vulnificus. A CDC investigation found that southwest Florida recorded 38 hurricane-related vibriosis cases in the weeks after Hurricane Ian in 2022. Of the 38 storm-associated cases identified after Ian, 29 were caused by Vibrio vulnificus and 11 people died.
Based on the region’s five-year median, officials would have expected a fraction of the cases during the period, describing it as a 1,100 percent increase. The CDC has warned that hurricanes, storm surge and coastal flooding can increase the risk of Vibrio wound infections by pushing coastal waters inland and increasing human exposure to contaminated water. Recounting the increase in cases following Ian, he said: “We have noticed this on a few occasions now, [including] Milton/Helene 2024 and previously Katrina in 2005.” After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, there was a large jump in Vibrio vulnificus wound infections in the Gulf Coast, resulting in 22 severe cases and five deaths.
Florida officials have already recorded a higher number of Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death this year. Most have been linked to recreational exposure during the summer. After hurricanes, however, infections are more often associated with floodwaters and storm surge coming into contact with open cuts or wounds.
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