As the cleanup continues in the path of Hurricane Idalia which made landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, officials are warning about the lingering risks, like the toxic stew. Sure, the Big Bend area took the brunt of the damage, but two days after making landfall well to our north, residents of Tampa Bay are still grappling with flooded yards and, unfortunately, homes.

Some of the effects of the storm have nothing to do with sustained winds or prolonged storm surge. Instead, its now about the disgusting risks that those forces brought to our doorsteps…risks like flesh-eating bacteria, mosquitos and mold.

At a news conference Thursday, Florida’s Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo urged Floridians to take precautions after Idalia to ensure their own health as well as the health of those around them. Here’s some of the dangers that were highlighted at the briefing:

Vibrio Vulnificus: It’s an infection caused by a flesh-eating bacteria that thrives in floodwaters. 38 cases were reported last year in Lee and Collier counties following Ian. Most of the time people get infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, but some Vibrio species get their hooks in you by causing an infection when an open wound is exposed to salt or brackish water. 20% of people who get the infection will die from it.
Mosquitos are another huge problem in the wake of the storm. Standing water is a petri dish for them, and is likely to produce an uptick in mosquito-borne illnesses like Malatia and dengue. There were already 11 cases reported locally this summer before the storm, and that number is sure to explode now. Use bug spray, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay away from standing water, especially at sunset.
Mold is one of the risks that develop inside the home, not outside. It only takes a day or two for mold to develop in a flooded home, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and our humidity levels speed up the process even more. Some people only get watery eyes or a slight cough, but for those who have asthma or immune disorders are susceptible to fungal infections that could become quite serious. FEMA says to use fans to dry out the home. I say, call a water mitigation expert.

To learn more, click here.

9 New Scam Phone Numbers You MUST Block Immediately

#1 - (865) 630-4266 — WellsFargo Account Notice
This is the top scam that’s an automated text message warning victims that their Wells Fargo bank account had been temporarily locked. The scammers want you to call their fake number to give up their personal account information.

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
#2 - (858) 605-9622 — [Bank Account Number] 'Temporarily ON HOLD!'
This is very similar to the previous one where they will spam out a text message: ‘[Bank name]: ACCNT #5674 temporarily ON HOLD! Your security is our priority. Call now: (858) 605-9622 (Do Not Disregard!)’ They’re trying to scare you in order to see get personal information.
#3 - (904) 495-2559 — 'AT&T Free Msg: Congrats to [number]!'
Look out for this text message ‘ATT Free Msg: Congrats to 2 lucky users! Today’s winners of our raffle are: Tim N***** and you, (Name)!’ These give false promises that you’ll get lottery cash and prizes.
#4 - (805) 637-7243 — Congrats! Won Publisher's Clearing House!
These scammers claim to be from Publisher’s Clearing House. They claim that an unpaid bill may result in freezing of their assets.
#5 - (469) 709-7630 — 'Failed delivery attempt for [tracking number].'
This scam will make you feel like something had genuinely gone wrong with a real shipment. They will you for the last two digits of your SSN for verification. Just get off the phone because it’s a scam.
# 6 - (863) 532-7969 — 'Debit Card Frozen! Call!'
This one is betting on that fact that you have a debit card. They’ll say everything is frozen and need your information to correct it.
#7 - (917) 540-7996 — 'Do you like scary movies?' marketing for 'Scream VI'
These complaints were filed from March 2023 in a scary voice message from the Scream movies from an unknown number. In the message it begins, ‘Is this [user’s name]? Oh good! It’s funny how you can see someone’s true character when they are alone. Or at least when they think they’re alone. I have one question for you, [user’s name]. Guess where I’m hiding?’
# 8 - (312) 339-1227 — 'Lose weight!' or 'Track your package'
These scams are using weight-loss products for a delivery scam. Again, these scams are looking for and need your information.
# 9 - (202) 221-7923 — 'Student loan forgiveness. Call Kelsey'
This phone messages will allegedly be from a ‘Kelsey Adams’ about a deadline for student-loan forgiveness. They need you to act or your deadline will be missed.