Connecticut health officials are warning about flesh-eating bacteria in the Long Island Sound after five people got sick in just two months.

The infection from the bacteria can be deadly and can enter through open wounds. It's accompanied by a fever, redness, then swelling and pain. The only remedy is antibiotics and, possibly, surgery or amputation.

Health officials are concerned because of the number of cases reported in a short period. Previously, there were only seven cases reported in 10 years.

Environmentalists say they think they know why it's happening.

"Some believe that this particular pathogen has made its way up to the northeast because of climate change and warmer waters allowing it to grow and populate here," says Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

Environmentalists believe cases will decline as the waters start to cool down.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention warns anyone with open wounds, including those from recent surgery, piercings or tattoos, to stay out of the Long Island Sound.