Health officials in Louisiana are urging residents to take precautions after a rare, flesh-eating bacterium found in coastal waters resulted in five deaths and nine hospitalizations in the state.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, all nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus reported were linked to open wounds exposed to seawater. Every individual hospitalized had pre-existing underlying health conditions. The current numbers mark an uptick compared to the state’s historical average over the past decade, which typically sees around seven cases and one fatality during the same timeframe.

Vibrio vulnificus naturally thrives in warm salt and brackish waters, with concentration levels peaking between May and October. While infections can occur through consuming raw seafood like oysters or through wound exposure, health authorities warn that the bacteria can cause rapid, life-threatening complications, including severe tissue damage and bloodstream infections. Officials advise anyone with open cuts or compromised immune systems to avoid entering coastal waters and to seek immediate medical care if a wound shows signs of infection following exposure.