Hazardous Bacteria Discovered in Floodwater Across the Midwest — Medical Professionals Alert Millions of Americans at Risk

As the historic floods begin to recede in the Midwest, medical professionals are raising alarms about a serious bacterial contamination risk present in the floodwater currently inundating areas of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Strained sewage systems and runoff from farms have led to the presence of E. coli, Leptospira, and other harmful bacteria in the floodwater. The CDC cautions that even minimal skin exposure or accidental ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, skin infections, and possibly fatal organ failure. Healthcare providers in the impacted regions are already noting an increase in cases related to exposure to contaminated water, and officials are advising residents to consider all floodwater as hazardous and to boil their water supplies until they receive confirmation from local authorities that it is safe.