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.

The culprit, the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, thrives in warm seawater.

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Florida has seen 16 cases this year, according to the state’s health department. Seventeen cases have been reported in Louisiana — more than previous years’ annual averages.

North Carolina has seen seven cases this year so far, the state Department of Health and Human Services confirmed to NBC News . And Mississippi has had three cases so far this year, the state’s health department says.

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