A flesh-eating bacteria outbreak has been reported in Louisiana, resulting in five deaths and nine hospitalizations so far this year. The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed the cases are due to Vibrio vulnificus. The department notes that the number of cases this year is higher than the average over the past decade.

All reported cases involved individuals with open wounds exposed to seawater and underlying health conditions. Further details on the outbreak and precautions are available from the Louisiana Department of Health.