Doctors see increase in vibrio cases in Tampa Bay because of recent hurricanes

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY — There’s an increase in vibrio cases in Florida.

“Vibrio is a bacteria that lives in brackish water, salt water, warm water,” said Dr. Robert Rosequist, Chief Medical Officer for AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

The recent hurricanes have made vibrio cases more prevalent, with floodwaters and runoff.

“Any water that’s not treated potentially carries bacteria,” said Rosequist.

“It’s concerning when we have storms like we’ve had where people have floods and water standing. They don’t know really what’s under that water,” he added.

The Florida Department of Health reported that several counties that had storm impacts have seen spikes in cases including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Sarasota, Citrus, and Hernando.