Louisiana has seen a significant decline in heat-related deaths, with a total of 172 deaths reported since 2023. Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein confirmed that seven of the eight deaths this year were people 65 and older, and three were also related to substance use.
Precautions Urged
Despite the decline, health officials are still urging the public to take precautions as extreme summertime heat surges on. The health department advises people more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, such as adults 65 and older, children, and those on medications that affect heat tolerance, to take steps to reduce their risk.
Key symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness, racing heart, shortness of breath, nausea, weakness, heavy sweating, or extreme thirst. Hydration, rest, shade, or cool indoor spaces are recommended to stave off heat-related illness.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
