Louisiana Department of Health

Louisiana residents receiving SNAP benefits can now purchase hot meals or prepared foods through Aug. 13 due to a temporary waiver following Tropical Storm Arthur. The waiver, approved by the USDA, applies statewide and does not provide additional funding, as the state prepares for a second approaching storm, Tropical Storm Bertha.

Louisiana's SNAP recipients can purchase hot or prepared foods through August 13, 2026, under a USDA-approved waiver following Tropical Storm Arthur. The waiver temporarily lifts the usual restriction prohibiting SNAP benefits from buying hot foods, though restaurant meals remain ineligible.

The Louisiana Department of Health reported a fourth heat-related death in Louisiana this year, with victims located in Northeast Louisiana, Northshore, and Acadiana regions.

Louisiana confirmed its first 2026 West Nile virus case in Ouachita Parish, with infected mosquitoes detected in 13 parishes. The U.S. is experiencing its worst early-season West Nile surge in two decades, with 48 national cases reported by June 30, including 38 severe cases.

Louisiana has reported 55 cyclosporiasis cases with 5 hospitalizations and no deaths. The CDC notes 1,645 confirmed domestic cases since May 1, 2026, with over 5,100 under investigation. The parasite spreads via contaminated food/water, especially fresh produce, and prevention includes thorough washing and hygiene practices.

Louisiana Department of Health inspections found critical violations at seven restaurants in East Baton Rouge Parish. The violations led to citations for the affected establishments.

Louisiana health officials report 23 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness causing explosive diarrhea, with one hospitalization and no deaths. The CDC tracks 145 domestic cases across 17 states, including a large outbreak in Michigan with over 700 cases, though no single source has been identified.

Louisiana reports 23 cases of Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic food poisoning illness linked to contaminated food, with one hospitalization and no deaths. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends washing produce to reduce risk, as symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and nausea.

Elected leaders in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, are responding to an 87-page report identifying 24 alleged violations at Northern Louisiana Medical Center (NLMC). The report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and CMS could lead to the hospital's Medicare provider agreement termination in 2026 if deficiencies are not corrected, with the operator, Allegiance Health Management, facing financial challenges.

Louisiana's summer temperatures have risen since 1970, with record heat-related deaths and emergency room visits in recent years. Climate Central reports average summer temperature increases of 4.1 degrees in New Orleans and 4.3 degrees in Shreveport. In 2023, 88 heat-related deaths and 6,187 ER visits were recorded.

A Louisiana audit found the state returned $111 million in unused federal WIC benefits from 2021-24, ranking 50th nationally for participation. The audit highlights barriers like limited clinic hours, insufficient outreach, and lack of mobile clinics, urging expansion to improve access for low-income mothers and babies.

A Louisiana audit found nearly half of federal WIC food assistance for low-income mothers and children went unredeemed, with over $111 million returned to the USDA. The report recommends expanding access through mobile clinics, off-site appointments, and additional WIC clinics in underserved parishes to address barriers like limited hours and outreach efforts.

Eleven people in Louisiana have fallen ill after consuming raw milk, with two hospitalized, prompting an investigation by the Louisiana Department of Health. The illnesses are linked to bacterial infections from three raw milk operations, though selling raw milk for human consumption is illegal in the state.

The Louisiana Department of Health is investigating 11 illnesses linked to raw milk consumption, with two hospitalizations reported. The cases involve campylobacteriosis and cryptosporidiosis and are associated with three milking operations in Louisiana.

A Louisiana bill awaiting Governor Jeff Landry’s signature would allow local communities to vote on removing fluoride from their drinking water systems. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Mike Fesi, replaces a law requiring 15% of voters to petition to keep fluoride out, instead enabling elections for removal decisions. Opponents, including the Louisiana Dental Association, argue fluoride improves dental health, while Fesi claims it poses health risks.

Louisiana lawmakers deferred a resolution aimed at addressing the state's high maternal mortality rates, which are more than double the national average. The resolution, HCR 110, sought to review preventable deaths, racial disparities, and gaps in healthcare access, including rural hospital closures and Medicaid coverage issues.

Pennsylvania will implement Medicaid work requirements in 2027, requiring adults aged 19-64 without children under 14 to work, volunteer, or study 80 hours monthly to retain coverage. The state faces budget and staffing challenges, with 6,000 employees needing retraining and $50 million allocated for technology upgrades. Exceptions include individuals in foster care, those with substance use disorders, pregnant women, and veterans with 100% disability.