Health officials in Louisiana are reporting a flesh-eating bacteria outbreak. Five people have died and nine have been hospitalized due to Vibrio vulnificus. The Louisiana Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions when in contact with seawater or consuming raw seafood.

All reported cases this year involved open wounds exposed to seawater and underlying health conditions. Further details on the outbreak are available from the Louisiana Department of Health. The situation is being monitored, with officials noting that Vibrio bacteria are more common in warm coastal waters during certain times of the year.