Health officials are warning residents and visitors of several states about a flesh-eating bacteria that can be found in warm waters.

Yahoo News reports that approximately 60 cases of Vibrio vulnificus have been confirmed in 11 states.

The highest numbers of infections have been in Louisiana, with 17 cases resulting in 4 deaths, and Florida, where 16 cases have led to 5 deaths.

Infections from Vibrio vulnificus are rare, but many who do become infected can become seriously ill.

Treatment can requiring intensive care or limb amputation, and 1 in 5 people infected with the bacteria die, according to the Center for Disease Control .

The Vibrio bacteria thrive in warm coastal waters between May and October, particularly in Gulf Coast states like Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Missis

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