In Precautionary Move, DHH Announces Closure of 28 Oyster Areas in Anticipation of Tropical Storm Lee

Friday, Sept. 2, 2011  |  Contact: Lisa R. Faust; (225) 342-7913 or (225) 252-3579 (cell)

BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announced today that, out of an abundance of caution, it will close Oyster Harvest Areas 1 through 28 in anticipation of the adverse effects of Tropical Storm Lee. This precautionary closure prohibits oyster harvest from these areas and is effective today, September 2, 2011 at sunset.

Tropical Storm Lee will have the potential to create flooding conditions that can cause natural contaminates to be washed into rivers, bayous and streams where they can then flow into the oyster-growing areas.

"While we are hopeful that this weather system will not become a hurricane, we cannot take any chances when it comes to the health and safety of our residents," said Dr. Jimmy Guidry, Louisiana State Health Officer. "As we have seen in the past, these storms can be unpredictable. I am urging all Louisiana residents to pay close attention to weather alerts as this storm progresses and to heed all advice from local, state and federal officials."     

Louisiana State Health Officer, Jimmy Guidry, M.D., and DHH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein signed the orders today. If Tropical Storm Lee does not escalate to a hurricane, DHH anticipates it will reopen the oyster areas as soon as severe weather conditions have subsided and officials are able to verify the safety of the resource for human consumption.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about DHH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH's blog, Twitter account and Facebook.