Health officials in Louisiana are urging beachgoers to take precautions during a summertime surge in infections from a flesh-eating bacteria. Louisiana has confirmed nine cases so far this year of Vibrio vulnificus, which is found in warm coastal waters. All were hospitalized, and five died. The numbers are above average. Vibrio bacteria thrive in warm seawater, especially in the brackish mix of fresh and saltwater found in estuaries and lagoons. Most infections are reported from May to October, mostly along the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Vibrio vulnificus is the most deadly Vibrio bacteria, killing as many as one in five people infected.