The Louisiana Department of Health said nine people have been infected by the flesh-eating bacteria this year and five have died as a result.

During the same period over the previous 10 years, Louisiana reported an average of seven cases and one death. All nine cases reported this year were associated with wounds exposed to seawater, and all patients had underlying health conditions,” the LDH said.

Vibrio bacteria occur naturally in warm coastal waters and are found in higher numbers from May to October, when water temperatures are warmer, according to the LDH.