STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A flesh-eating bacteria responsible for the deaths of eight people in the United States has sparked warnings from health officials concerned for swimmers during the summer months.

The Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, found in brackish water (where freshwater meets saltwater) and raw or undercooked seafood, can cause an illness called vibriosis and lead to life-threatening wound infections. In greater presence during warmer conditions, it can enter the body through an open sore or wound when an individual is swimming in contaminated waters.

From there, necrotizing fasciitis can develop — killing tissue around a wound. It can also spread quickly into healthy tissue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Five people from Florida have died from the bacterium, said the Florida Department of Health, out of a reported 26 cases. One person on Long Island and two people in Connecticut have also died, the Advance/SILive.com reported.

Gov. Kathy Hochul urged residents to be aware of the dangers of swimming or consuming food where the bacterium can be present.

“As we investigate further, it is critical that all New Yorkers stay vigilant and take responsible precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including protecting open wounds from seawater and for those with compromised immune systems, avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish which may carry the bacteria,” said Hochul in a statement.

The state Health Department urged residents with compromised immune systems to avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters.

To help prevent vibriosis, people with a wound, such as a cut or scrape, a recent piercing or tattoo, should avoid exposing skin to warm seawater in coastal environments or cover the wound with a waterproof bandage, officials said. Also, wear gloves when handling raw shellfish and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water when finished.

The bacterium is not spread from person to person. However, anyone experiencing symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, fever and lesions, should immediately seek medical attention.

Last year, Hurricane Ian lead to an increase of vibriosis cases in Florida after the storm system triggered sewage to spill into the ocean, leading to elevated levels of Vibrio vulnificus, according to the CDC.