Deadly 'flesh-eating' bacteria cases rise along Gulf Coast, doctors warn

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 this summer.

Louisiana health officials have reported 17 cases of Vibrio vulnificus so far this year -- four of which have resulted in death. That compares to an average of seven cases and one death in the same period over the past 10 years. All 17 cases in Louisiana resulted in the person being hospitalized, the Louisiana Department of Health said.

Meanwhile, health officials in Florida confirmed 13 cases and four deaths this year.