I have written many times about the tendency in summer, when newsroom staffs are reduced because of vacationing reporters, for the media to publish a number of "shark attack" stories. These are ideal as they can be written in advance with specific details quickly and easily added later when an attack occurs.
[The stories tend to follow the same "plot": Swimmer/surfer/boater goes in the water, feels sharp tug, finds he/she is missing an arm/leg/life.]
This summer there's a new kid on the block: the flesh-eating bacterium. Like sharks, bacteria are around all year, occasionally "attacking" those who swim/boat/surf, but are highlighted so strongly in the summer that they are thought to be a seasonal curse.
1 Dead, 1 Sickened From Flesh-Eating Bacteria
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Found In Warm Florida Water
Maryland man leaves hospital after bout with flesh-eating bacteria
Mississippi man dies from flesh-eating bacteria
Etc. You get the idea.