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La. (WAFB) – Eight people have died from heat-related illness in Louisiana so far in 2026, and state health officials say the dangers of summer extend well beyond the heat index — from a deadly waterborne bacteria to a dehydrating parasite circulating across the country
The Louisiana Department of Health held a press conference Friday to address multiple overlapping public health threats during what officials call the state’s extreme heat season, which runs April through October
LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein said the state is on a three-year downward trend in heat-related deaths. From 2023 to 2025, 172 people died from heat in Louisiana — 88 in 2023, 53 in 2024, and 31 in 2025. Seven of the eight deaths confirmed so far in 2026 involved people 65 or older. Three of the eight were associated with substance use
Greenstein said heat deaths in prior years extended into September and October, meaning the season is far from over
Historically, about 38% of heat-related deaths involved people 65 and older, who make up roughly 19% of Louisiana’s population. Approximately 60% of deaths occurred in residential settings. Fifteen percent of victims had limited or no air conditioning, and 13% were homeless. Eight percent of deaths were work-related — a figure Greenstein said is likely undercounted
Cardiovascular disease was a contributing factor in 65% of heat deaths over the past three years. Substance use played a role in 33%
“Chronic conditions can complicate the response to heat,” Greenstein said. “Some medications can affect temperature control or sweating. Heat illness can develop quickly, and older adults face added risk because the body may not be able to adjust to the temperature changes.”
Greenstein said stimulants such as methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature, decrease feelings of thirst and hunger, and increase heart rate. Opioids, benzodiazepines, fentanyl, heroin, and alcohol can mask the warning signs of heat stroke and reduce awareness of overheating
Outdoor laborers represent 61% of individuals treated in emergency departments for heat-related illness over the past three years. Construction, public safety, and landscaping workers were among the most frequently cited occupations in emergency department records
Officials recommended that employers gradually acclimate new workers and those returning after absences of a week or more, modify schedules based on conditions, ensure adequate breaks, and implement a buddy system so workers can monitor each other for symptoms
Five people have died from Vibrio vulnificus infections in Louisiana in 2026 — all nine reported cases resulted in hospitalization, and all patients had underlying health conditions. Over the previous 10 years, Louisiana averaged seven cases and one death during the same period
Greenstein said all nine cases this year were associated with wounds exposed to seawater. Patients were exposed at multiple locations across the state, and one exposure occurred in another Gulf Coast state
LDH epidemiologist Dr. Theresa Sokol said the number of cases is not unusual for this time of year, but the death toll is
“If you have a wound, it’s really important that you either stay out of salt or brackish water or make sure it is well covered with a waterproof bandage if you are going to go into salt or brackish water or if you’re going to have contact with raw seafood or its juices,” Sokol said
Sokol said wounds can include recent cuts, scrapes, piercings, or tattoos. She said anyone who scrapes a foot on a shell at the beach or cuts themselves near water should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water immediately
Blisters from Vibrio vulnificus can spread rapidly, and infections can become fatal within one to two days. Sokol said anyone who notices redness, swelling, or blisters around a wound that has been exposed to salt or brackish water should contact a healthcare provider immediately
People at highest risk include those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, immune-suppressing conditions, reduced stomach acid, or recent stomach surgery
Louisiana has reported 125 cases of Cyclospora in 2026, with six hospitalizations and no deaths. The parasite causes severe gastrointestinal illness that can lead to significant dehydration — compounding the risk of heat-related illness
Sokol said LDH epidemiologists identified two clusters of six cases each, both linked to restaurants in different parts of the state. Romaine lettuce was the only common fresh ingredient among all 12 cases. That information has been reported to the FDA, which is conducting further trace-back investigation
Greenstein noted Louisiana is not part of the multi-state outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico but said the state is seeing more cases than usual
Symptoms of Cyclospora infection can take up to two weeks to appear after exposure and can persist for up to a month. Symptoms can also recur after appearing to resolve
Officials recommended washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, refrigerating cut or peeled produce promptly, and following the CDC and FDA websites for the latest food recall information. Cooking food to 158 degrees eliminates the risk of infection
Officials said everyone should know the warning signs of heat-related illness: racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, nausea, weakness, heavy sweating, or unusual thirst. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should stop activity, move to a cool or shaded area, and drink water
Confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, or a very high body temperature can indicate heat stroke. Officials said to call 911 immediately and begin cooling the person down while help is on the way
Greenstein urged Louisianians to check on neighbors and family members, confirm they have access to air conditioning and water, and watch for signs of heat stress
“Us as Louisianians, as very family and community oriented, please take care of your neighbors and your family and yourself,” Greenstein said
Heat-related death data is updated every Thursday on LDH’s heat dashboard at ldh.la.gov. Additional guidance on heat safety is available here
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