Louisiana health officials are urging residents to take precautions around coastal waters after confirming five deaths this year from Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but severe bacterial infection sometimes called flesh-eating bacteria, with the state's case count already running well above its historical average. The Louisiana Department of Health said Thursday that nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus have been reported among state residents so far in 2026, all of whom were hospitalized, and five of whom died. The bacteria occur naturally in warm coastal waters and are found in higher concentrations from May to October, when water temperatures rise. Vibrio vulnificus can also cause gastrointestinal illness and bloodstream infections. The state recorded at least 26 cases and five deaths from the bacteria in 2025, while Florida's health department has reported two deaths from Vibrio vulnificus so far this year, following 19 deaths in 2024 and five more in 2025.