The Florida Department of Health urge people to avoid People who encountered floodwaters brought on by Hurricane Milton have been warned that they may be contaminated with a type of flesh-eating bacteria called Vibrio.
“Vibriobacteria are commonly found in warm coastal waters and can cause illness if ingested or if an open wound is exposed to contaminated water. After heavy rains or floods, especially in brackish or saltwater waters. “Concentrations of these bacteria may increase,” the ministry said.
The health department said residents and visitors, especially those with open wounds, should avoid skin contact with floodwater. If you have physical contact with water, you should wash your hands with soap and clean water for 20 seconds to avoid possible infection.
Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Florida's west coast as a Category 4 hurricane late Wednesday night. More than 5.5 million coastal residents were ordered to leave the area, making it the largest evacuation in the state's history.
