With extreme heat continuing, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is urging residents to pay special attention to risk factors and to vulnerable populations like young children and older adults, who account for nearly all confirmed heat-related deaths in the state this year.
LDH has confirmed eight heat-related deaths in 2026; seven involved people ages 65 or older. From 2023 through 2025, LDH recorded 172 heat-related deaths. Adults ages 65 and older accounted for 38% of those deaths while representing approximately 19% of the state’s population. Approximately 60% of the people who died were in a residential setting, and 15% had no or limited air conditioning.
“The number of elderly heat-related deaths signals a call to action for every family, neighbor, and caregiver,” said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. “These deaths are preventable. Check that the older adults in your life have water, working air conditioning or another cool place to go, and someone checking on them. Hydrate. Find shade or a cool indoor space. Rest. Those simple steps can save a life.”
