A flesh-eating bacteria which has killed at least eight people has been detected in Florida, according to reports. US media reports that Florida's Department of Health has confirmed at least 13 cases of vibrio vulnificus.

Officials said the eight cases were linked to exposed wounds, warning that the infections can be "sporadic and unrelated to an outbreak". Louisiana has also reported an outbreak of vibrio vulnificus, with 17 cases recorded so far this year.

The cases come after a year of high infection rates. Last year saw 18 infections and 19 deaths, which was the highest number recorded so far, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Health officials have also linked recent cases to natural disasters which have hit Florida, including Hurricane Helene last year.

According to reports, coastal waters pushed inland by the weather increases the risk of infection. The bacteria is found in saltwater and brackish water, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Infection can lead to severe illness or even death within just a day or two. People with the infection can experience diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever and chills.

Health officials in the US have urged people to make sure seafood is cooked properly before eating, washing their hands after handling raw seafood and sanitising wounds to avoid infection.