BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana health officials are urging residents to take precautions during
extreme summer temperatures after seven people across the state have died from heat-related
illnesses so far this year.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health's Heat-Related Illness Data Dashboard, the
deaths have been reported in several regions of the state, including three on the Northshore, two
in Northeast Louisiana, one in the Acadiana region and one in Southeast Louisiana.

State health officials said six of the seven victims were age 65 or older, while one person was
between the ages of 30 and 49. Five of the victims were men and two were women.

LDH said heat-related illnesses, also known as hyperthermia, occur when the body is no longer
able to regulate its normal temperature. Without prompt treatment, heat-related conditions can
quickly become life-threatening.

Health officials encourage residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during the hottest
parts of the day, wear lightweight clothing and check on older adults, young children and others
who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

The department's Heat-Related Illness Data Dashboard is updated weekly on Thursdays and includes the latest information on heat-related illnesses and deaths across Louisiana.

LDH has also published information on the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke,
along with tips to help residents stay safe during periods of extreme heat.

This article was originally published by Avoyelles Update.

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