A rapidly spreading fungus that can be fatal to some has the medical community concerned. Brooke Thorington has more.
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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has resigned as he’s been implicated in a bribery scandal. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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A fungus by the name of Candida Auris (Can-did-uh Oar-us) is rapidly spreading at an alarming rate, and it’s one with a high mortality rate. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist, Dr. Fred Lopez says treatment is difficult.
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Lopez says Candida Aruis is worrisome because it’s resistant to treatment and it usually infects individuals who are in and out of the hospital, in long-term acute care, and those who use feeding or breathing tubes. He says the mortality rate is between 30 to 60 percent.
He says the mortality rate is difficult to determine because individuals who are most susceptible have co-morbidities.
The fungus is transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment, or from person to person. Lopez says when the fungus enters the bloodstream is when it becomes dangerous.
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Anyone can carry the fungus and it’s when those who are vulnerable come into contact that it’s dangerous. Symptoms are dependent on the location of the infection and once it’s in the bloodstream, fever, a racing heart, and feeling light-headed could develop.
More than half of the states have reported cases of Candida Auris, and there are 50 known cases in Louisiana.
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It’s going to be a berry good time at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival this weekend. For the 51st Anniversary, Director of Sales at Tangipahoa Tourism Emily Matise says there will be tons of berries to be bought and a great time for everyone.
The Ponchatoula festival is one of the state’s largest free events, second only to Mardi Gras. A new attraction this year is the 9/11 “Tunnel to Towers” – Never Forget mobile exhibit displaying artifacts such as steel beams from the twin towers, documentary videos, and recordings of first responder radio transmissions. Matise said they are expecting nice crowds this weekend, despite the weather’s forecast.
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The three-day event will be filled with traditions, great entertainment, rides, and loads of family fun! Visit lastrawberryfestival.com
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Boudin is one of Louisiana’s favorite cajun concoctions and there’s no better place to get it than Scott - home to the Boudin Festival that begins this weekend. Ms. Scott – Boudin Festival Queen 2023 Emily Chaisson says the festival provides an economic boost for the boudin industry.
Scott is known as the epicenter of the boudin industry in the state and sells over 4 million pounds of boudin each year. The three-day festival has been a regional and statewide award-winning event for five years in a row and is filled with mouth-watering food and entertainment for everyone. Chaisson says everyone is invited and volunteer opportunities are open.
Admission is $5 on Friday and Saturday, and free on Sunday. For vendor list and music lineup visit scottboudinfestival.com
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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has submitted his resignation as it has become public he’s involved in a bribery scandal. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this is not a good look for the Edwards administration…
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Federal documents show Montoucet’s signature is on a contract tied to a kickback scheme that has resulted in the conviction of Dusty Guidry of Youngsville on three federal charges. Pinsonat says Louisiana has a reputation for political corruption…
Records from the U-S Attorney’s office indicates Montoucet signed a contract for a program set up by Guidry, that would resulted in an LDWF official receiving an ATV worth 14-thousand dollars upon retirement. The Advocate newspaper reports Montoucet is the only LDWF official to sign the contract. Pinsonat says Montoucet has not been charged criminally and has not commented…
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State Treasurer John Schroder is reaching out to veterans’ organizations in hopes of reuniting Unclaimed Property with those who’ve served in the military. The campaign is called “Veterans Cash Claim.”
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the state’s unclaimed property division that holds funds like deposits, stocks, securities, and insurance proceeds. Since Schroder took office in 2017, he says they’ve returned close to $280 million to their rightful owners.
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Among the unclaimed property are items left in safety deposit boxes, for example, priceless military metals that Schroder says they’ve been able to return to heirs of those brave servicemen.
To check if you might have any unclaimed property go to LaCashClaim.org