Wildlife specialists advise against petting this “furry” species from Florida because its poisonous sting could take you to the emergency room

Fuzzy Caterpillar – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Satyashutter After all, Florida wouldn’t exist without another spooky crawler to be concerned about, would it? According to wildlife officials, puss caterpillars, one of the most poisonous insects in the United States, are on the rise. Florida puss caterpillars According to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the

Florida intends to remove all statewide vaccination requirements

Child Vaccination — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Ira Lichi Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo declared Wednesday that the state will take action to repeal all vaccination requirements. Florida would become the first state to do away with the long-standing, constitutionally supported practice of mandating specific immunizations for schoolchildren. During a press conference, Ladapo declared that

The number of deaths from flesh-eating bacteria is increasing. Who is at increased risk?

Flesh-eating bacteria – Pictured: No swimming advisory sign on beach – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Jean Faucett The number of deaths from “flesh-eating” bacteria is increasing in the U.S.’s southeast coast. This year, infections that can result in necrotizing wounds have killed at least five people in Florida, four in Louisiana, and one in

‘Flesh-eating bacteria’ killed four people in Florida this year

Researcher is holding Petri dish of Vibrio vulnificus (flesh-eating bacteria) – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Arpon Pongkasetkam According to state health officials, four people in Florida have died and over six others are ill after catching a rare “flesh-eating bacteria” this year. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) reports that deaths in Bay, Broward,

Florida is on the verge of being the second state to outlaw fluoride in public water systems

Rusted lead pipes – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by mvdesign Due to the worries of public health advocates and dentists who believe fluoride is a safe and effective approach to prevent cavities in people of all ages, Florida is on the verge of becoming the second state to outlaw the mineral in public drinking water.

More than 100 passengers are ill due to a norovirus epidemic on a Florida cruise: CDC

Cruise Line Ships Occupy Berths at Port Miami – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by TetKabrit According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 100 guests and crew members on a cruise ship that traveled out of Florida have contracted norovirus. By the numbers: According to the CDC, on February 2, Holland America Line’s

Following previous hurricanes, Florida has seen an increase in cases of flesh-eating bacteria

Researcher is holding Petri dish of Vibrio vulnificus (flesh-eating bacteria) – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Arpon Pongkasetkam Following recent hurricanes, Florida health officials are reporting a rise in instances of Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria that may cause diseases that consume flesh. According to data released by the Florida Department of Health on Friday, there

Death toll from COVID-19 in Florida rises

South Florida COVID-19 Testing Site — Courtesy: Shutterstock — YES Market Media According to data on the state Department of Health website, 3,162 Florida resident deaths have been attributed to COVID-19 this year, and the death toll is still rising. There were more deaths than there had been in early June (2,740) and early July

Two Florida cities are among the top 20 “dirtiest” in the United States, per research

Scattered trash and bird on city street – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Margy Crane According to recent research, one of the biggest cities in the South has overtaken an urban East Coast region to become the “dirtiest” city in the country. An assessment of over 150 of the largest American cities was conducted by

An outbreak of measles at a Florida elementary school has confirmed six cases

Measles virus. Mother holding tiny baby foot with red rash, closeup – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Prostock-studio A measles epidemic at the Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, Florida, has resulted in six cases of the disease. In a letter sent to nearby medical professionals on Friday, the Florida Department of Health in Broward