Flesh-eating bacteria pose threat to millions in path of Hurricane Isaias as it explodes into Category 2 storm
Hurricane Isaias is set to unleash life-threatening floods and winds on the US, but doctors are now warning millions in its path about flesh-eating bacteria.
Isaias exploded into a Category 2 hurricane in the Gulf Thursday afternoon. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said that the state is preparing for Isaias to make landfall as a Category 3 storm on Friday evening or early Saturday.
Monster storm surges of up to seven feet near and east of Isaias’ center are expected for the Northern Gulf Coast, potentially carrying the bacteria inland as seawater floods streets and homes.
The Florida Department of Health warns that ‘following a storm, such as a hurricane, floodwaters and standing water pose risks for Vibrio vulnificus exposure.’
The bacteria can enter the body through cuts, scrapes or puncture wounds. Severe infections can destroy tissue, trigger septic shock and become fatal within a day or two.
Dr Norma Beatty, of the University of Florida College of Medicine, told the Daily Mail: ‘Vibrio infections have been shown to rise after hurricanes.
‘Storm surge waters from the Gulf breach into our neighborhoods and even into our homes, where people are now possibly trudging through water that contains the bacteria.’
Beatty added that any cuts exposed to storm surge water from the Gulf should be washed thoroughly with clean water and checked closely for signs of infection.
Hurricane Isaias is set to unleash life-threatening floods and winds on the US, but doctors are now warning millions in its path about flesh-eating bacteria
Florida recorded 74 Vibrio infections and 17 deaths in 2022, the year Hurricane Ian struck.
The numbers were even higher in 2024, when hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall, with 82 cases and 19 deaths.
Both years saw death tolls well above the average of roughly 10 annually between 2017 and October 8, 2026.
Chamteut Oh, an assistant professor at the University of Florida, told the Tallahassee Democrat: ‘That could be a potential risk we should be worried about.
‘People may not know how exactly the level of bacteria goes up, but they should be aware [that] the pathogens can increase right after Isaias, and they can last a long time.
Hurricane warnings are in effect for parts of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, southwestern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, including some inland areas of Alabama and Florida.
Isaias had maximum sustained winds of 100mph on Thursday afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), surpassing the 96 mph threshold for a Category 2 storm.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Thursday alert, telling locals to plan for life-threatening winds of equivalent Category 1 or 2 hurricane force.
The Florida Department of Health warns that ‘following a storm, such as a hurricane, floodwaters and standing water pose risks for Vibrio vulnificus exposure
‘Remaining efforts to protect life and property should be urgently completed,’ the NWS stated.
The development has triggered evacuations in Florida’s Okaloosa and Gulf Counties, while the rest of the Panhandle remains under a state of emergency.
Alabama has also issued a state of emergency for counties along the Gulf.
The NWS said: ‘Evacuation efforts should soon be brought to completion before driving conditions become unsafe.
‘Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for your area to avoid being cut off from emergency services or needlessly risk lives.’
The weather agency told communities from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to Gulf County, Florida, to prepare for the possibility of ‘long-duration power outages.’
Fears of a devastating storm have left shelves empty in towns and cities along the US Gulf Coast, as locals stock up on everything from toilet paper to water and canned food.
Images on social media show long lines at gas stations and depleted supermarket shelves.
Forecast models track Isaias approaching the US coast on Friday, with landfall expected sometime that evening into early Saturday, striking between Biloxi, Mississippi and Panama City, Florida
Locals have been told to prepare now as the hurricane moves closer to the US coast. Above are the owners of the Islander Ice Cream restaurant in Gulf Breeze, Florida
Florida local Stephen Page posted on Facebook: ‘Stores are already run over, and shelves are empty at many places.
‘Lines at gas stations are long, and people are in full prep mode. So again, I say, if you haven’t started, now is the time!’
Another Floridian, Stephanie Michelle, said she experienced panic buying at the grocery store.
‘The store was full, the parking lot was full, shelves were empty, and the carts were all full! People were everywhere, and traffic was a nightmare,’ she added.
Panic buying hit states in Isaias’ path, with locals stocking up on everything from toilet paper to water and bread, leaving shelves empty
Gast stations were packed with cars ahead of the storm
The Atlantic has yet to produce a hurricane in 2026, putting the season within reach of a record set in 1905 for the latest first hurricane.
If forecast models are correct and Isaias develops into a hurricane, it would be deemed a record-breaking storm.
Meteorologist Matt Devitt said on X: ‘Isaias will likely be one of the most significant storms of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season with a landfall in the US.’
