RAPIDES PARISH, La. (UrbanCast: 9/7/2026) — Louisiana health officials are not recommending the closure of Lake Cotile following a recently reported Shigella case.
The Rapides Parish Police Jury first reported the case last week. Officials said a child was diagnosed after swimming at Lake Cotile on August 29.
However, that timeline does not establish that the child contracted Shigella from the lake. LDH has not identified Lake Cotile as the source of the infection.
The Police Jury has now shared a response from the Louisiana Department of Health regarding the case.
LDH said it investigates all reported cases of Shigella. However, patient confidentiality prevents the department from discussing details of an individual case.
“Based on recent information gathering, LDH has determined there is no need to recommend closure of Lake Cotile,” the department stated.
LDH also addressed how Shigella can enter recreational water.
According to the department, Shigella bacteria do not naturally occur or live in water. They also do not originate from fish, wildlife or environmental sources.
Water can become a source of infection when human feces containing Shigella contaminate it.
However, LDH did not state that it found Shigella contamination in Lake Cotile.
While no closure is recommended, health officials reminded visitors that natural bodies of water can contain germs that cause illness.
Swimmers should avoid swallowing lake water. People with diarrhea should stay out of the water to prevent spreading germs.
LDH also recommends avoiding water that appears unusually cloudy, discolored or has a bad odor.
People with open cuts or wounds should stay out of the water. Those who enter should completely cover wounds with waterproof bandages.
Heavy rain can also wash contaminants into swimming areas. Officials advise additional caution following heavy rainfall, especially after extended dry periods.
LDH also reminded visitors about Naegleria fowleri, a rare but dangerous amoeba associated with warm freshwater. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose.
Visitors can reduce that risk by avoiding putting their heads underwater and using nose clips when appropriate.
The guidance came from Dr. Christina A. Lord, regional medical director for LDH’s Office of Public Health Region VI.
For now, Lake Cotile remains open, and LDH is not recommending a closure.
Source: Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health Region VI; Rapides Parish Police Jury
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