Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases On The Rise In Lee County

Being the beach lover that I am, this is not the news I wanted to hear, as flesh-eating bacteria cases are on the rise in Lee County.

It's been awhile since I've been to the beach and was just thinking this weekend how it would've been perfect weather to be able to enjoy it. When it's too hot, it's hard to be comfortable, and going into the water to cool off isn't an option when it's been as warm as it's been this year. But 80's are perfect. However, I wouldn't recommend going to the beach anytime soon, at least not in the water. Flesh-eating bacteria cases are on the rise in Lee County.

I remember after Hurricane Ian, they warned about staying out of the water, especially with open wounds. Or if you went in the water thinking you were ok, then stepped on something to create a wound, who knows what's in that water that could potentially get into your body. I think it took me a good 5 months to get back to the beach after that. Well now, after back-to-back hurricanes with Helene and Milton, unfortunately that warning is back. Flesh-eating bacteria cases are on the rise in Lee County.

According to FOX4, the bacteria is called Vibrio Vulnificus, which is a flesh-eating bacteria that could be fatal within 72 hours if it's left untreated. That is extremely scary. Now, The Florida Department of Health does say that swimming at beaches in Lee County is safe, but rather the real danger is in stagnant water like tide pools, canals, retention ponds and swimming pools. But for me, I think I'd rather wait a little while longer.

Of course, as I mentioned above, even though the bacteria levels in the water is safe right now, there is always that concern of sharp objects being hidden in the sand.