By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

The Florida Department of Health has reported 20 Vibrio vulnificus cases through September 3 which includes cases in the following counties: Duval, Escambia (3), Hernando, Hillsborough (2), Lee (2), Leon, Manatee (2), Orange, Palm Beach, Polk (2), Santa Rosa (2), Seminole and Taylor.

Image/Clker-Free-Vector-Images

The death toll remains at seven–Manatee (2), Duval, Escambia, Lee, Orange and Polk counties.

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.