Florida has seen a recent increase in confirmed cases of flesh-eating bacteria following the devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to state health department data.

Data from the Florida Department of Health shows reports of flesh-eating bacteria have increased following impacts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. According to health officials, Vibrio vulnificus normally lives in warm seawater but can pose increased risks when pushed inland by tropical cyclones.

Florida health officials noted that six Tampa Bay area counties saw an “unusual increase” in cases of Vibrio vulnificus this year, attributed to floodwaters from back-to-back

Hurricane Milton caused an estimated $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion in damage to Florida's crops and agricultural infrastructure, according to a preliminary assessment released by the state's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on Thursday.

Damages to farmers and ranchers from Hurricane Milton may double the statewide agricultural destruction from three other storms that pummeled Florida since August 2023, according to state