By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Florida state health officials reported two additional Vibrio vulnificus cases this week in Clay County and Volusia County. This brings the cumulative total through September 17 to 22 cases– Clay, Duval, Escambia (3), Hernando, Hillsborough (2), Lee (2), Leon, Manatee (2), Orange, Palm Beach, Polk (2), Santa Rosa (2), Seminole, Taylor and Volusia.

No deaths were reported and remains at eight.

In 2020, Florida reported 36 cases and 7 deaths.

The CDC reports most Vibrio infections from oysters result in only diarrhea and vomiting. However, some infections, such as those caused by Vibrio vulnificus, which also can be contracted via wound infections, can cause more severe illness, including bloodstream infections and severe blistering skin lesions. Many people with V. vulnificus infections require intensive care or limb amputations, and 15-30% of infections are fatal.