A Silent Killer in the Waters: A Report of Two Cases of Vibrio vulnificus Bacteremia

In this case series, we report two unusual cases of Vibrio bacteremia due to exposure to floodwater after Hurricane Helene. This presentation is particularly alarming in light of growing evidence that warming ocean temperatures are contributing to stronger hurricanes, which, in turn, lead to more extensive flooding and storm surges, a trend that creates ideal conditions for the spread of waterborne pathogens such as Vibrio vulnificus. Previously, within the humid subtropical region, only a handful of cases have been documented over the past 20 years. With the increasing number of cases, it is now crucial to highlight the swift diagnosis and treatment of infection before the development of sequelae or mortality. In our two-case series, both patients initially presented with nonspecific symptoms of Vibrio bacteremia, with common waterborne exposure. Both cases were ultimately successfully treated with conventional therapy with doxycycline and a third-generation cephalosporin, and with only one patient requiring surgical debridement. Consequently, it is important to acknowledge the clinical signs and symptoms of Vibrio bacteremia, as a lack of prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe complications or even death.