What Is The Vibrio Bacteria In Tampa Bay Waters
If you haven’t heard there is a rare flesh-eating bacteria in Tampa Bay waters that is deadly. So, what is it? It is called Vibrio and it lives in warm seawater, which means that it lives in water of Tampa Bay. People with open wounds have a higher chance to be exposed to the bacteria. So, if you have open cuts or wounds don’t enter the seawater. So far in 2023 there have been 26 cases happening in the state of Florida with five causing death. All of the deaths have occurred in the counties around Tampa Bay.
What Illness Does Vibrio Cause?
According to the Florida Department of Health, “Vibrio vulnificus can also cause an infection of the skin when open wounds are exposed to warm seawater; these infections may lead to skin breakdown and ulcers. Healthy individuals typically develop a mild disease; however Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease. The bacterium can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe and life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock) and blistering skin lesions.” If the infection enters the bloodstream it causes death in half of the people.
The Other Way To Be Infected By Vibrio
So, going into the water with an open wound isn’t the only was you could possibly be infected by the bacteria. You can also get it from raw oysters. So, if you are going to eat oysters the FDOH recommends you cook them.
Hillsborough County has four cases this year already, but didn’t have any in 2022. There were three reported cases in 2021. Yes, Vibrio is rare, but the FDOH says that is because it under reported. Finally, even though there is a deadly bacteria in Tampa Bay waters just make sure you take the proper precautions if you have cuts or open wounds.
Five people in Florida have died from Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria found in raw shellfish or seawater that also killed one Long Island resident and two people in Connecticut this summer, officials have confirmed. https://t.co/tux0iHilGt
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 21, 2023
[SOURCE: ABC Action News]
7 Pros And Cons Of Living In Tampa Bay
Pro: Attractions and Theme Parks
Tampa is located just an hour away from some of the most famous amusement parks in the entire world. You can go to Disney, Universal Studios, Sea World, Discovery Cove and Crayola World. There’s also Busch Gardens which is located in Tampa so you don’t need to drive to Orlando and deal with traffic.
Busch Garden’s is Tampa’s premiere theme park for more than 60 years.
Con: Tourists and Snowbirds
With more people moving to Tampa every single day locals have noticed traffic getting worse every day. Then mix in tourist who are always vacationing, all the snowbirds and it’s become a lot to deal with at times.
Pro: The Job Market
Tampa has a very strong economy, especially in healthcare, technology, tourism, and education. The healthcare industry thrives with Tampa General Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center, which gives many careers to medical professionals, researchers, and other staff. The technology industry is booming in Tampa with growing companies like Sykes Enterprises that offer positions in software development, IT support, and cybersecurity.
Con: Low Minimum Wage
Although the cost of living may be affordable, it does come at a price! The minimum wage in Tampa, Florida is lower compared to other major cities in the U.S. is now at $11 per hour starting in September 2023.
Pro: Cost Of Living
It seems like things are just getting more and more expensive every year! It’s important to save as much money as you can so you can retire one day! That’s just another reason why so many people are moving to Tampa Bay. Although, not every city in Florida is the same when it comes to finances and taxes moving to Tampa can save more money when you compare it to other big metropolitan cities.
Con: The Humidity
Tampa is super-hot right now! No really, we have a massive heat advisory, and it seems to be a daily thing. It feels like it’s 110 degrees outside so you can’t be outside too long at the moment.
Pro & Con: The Schools
Research is important here! Many schools like Hillsborough County aren’t just one of the top school districts in the Tampa area, it’s one of the best in the country! However, there are many pockets of bad schools in Tampa Bay so it’s important you do a lot of research before moving to one specific area.
