Health officials are warning of a rise in potentially deadly "flesh-eating" bacteria cases along the Gulf Coast, with Louisiana reporting higher numbers than usual.

A Gulf Coast state is reporting an increase in deadly bacteria cases this summer.

Health officials are sending a warning to residents in Gulf Coast states after eight people are dead from the flesh-eating bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus.

A flesh-eating bacteria that often makes its presence felt along the Texas coast is once again raising concerns across the Gulf. This time the bacteria, a form of vibrio, has led to several deaths and more than two-dozen illnesses from Florida to Louisiana.

In the wake of multiple case of flesh-eating bacteria in Florida, some may be wondering what they can do to protect themselves while on vacation or just enjoying a day at the local swimming hole this summer.