September 02, 2020 Department of Health verifies two additional hurricane-related deaths

- The Louisiana Department of Health on Wednesday verifies two additional deaths tied to Hurricane Laura, bringing the state’s current death toll to 17. 

A 36-year-old man and a woman in her 80s died of heat-related illness following the storm. Both deaths were in Beauregard Parish.

Below are details on the 17 deaths LDH has verified to date:

Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to 4 years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness, occurring when the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

If you see any of these signs, have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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