Deaths from “flesh-eating” bacteria are on the rise across the southeastern coasts of the U.S. At least five people in Florida, four in Louisiana and one in the Outer Banks have died this year from infections that can cause necrotizing wounds.

A flesh-eating bacteria outbreak has hit the Gulf Coast with deaths recorded in Florida and Louisiana. Eight people have died so far this year from Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria that lives naturally in coastal waters.