BATON ROUGE, LA (April 20, 2025) — The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has confirmed the first measles case in Louisiana this year. The patient is an unvaccinated adult from Region 1, which includes Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard parishes. The case is believed to be connected to international travel.
The individual was treated at a Region 1 hospital and is now in isolation. The patient was not hospitalized and will remain in isolation until no longer infectious. LDH is working to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed.
This is the first measles case reported in 2025. In 2024, Louisiana recorded three travel-related cases, all in the Greater New Orleans area.
Measles Symptoms:
High fever (may reach 104°F)
Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
White spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
A red, flat rash starting at the hairline and spreading down the body
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. The rash typically appears 3 to 5 days after symptoms begin, and the fever and rash fade gradually after a few days.
Been Exposed
If You Think You’ve Been Exposed:
Call your healthcare provider immediately.
Monitor for fever or rash from 7 to 21 days after exposure.
Do not visit medical offices without calling first; special arrangements may be needed to prevent further exposure.
Your provider may recommend the MMR vaccine or immune globulin if you are not immune.
If You Think You Have Measles:
Stay home and avoid work, school, and public gatherings.
Contact your healthcare provider before arriving at a facility.
LDH can assist with proper diagnosis and care coordination.
Measles is highly contagious and potentially severe, especially for babies and young children. LDH continues to urge all residents to confirm their MMR vaccination status. Two doses provide strong protection against infection.
For more information, visit the Louisiana Department of Health website at ldh.la.gov or check your family’s vaccination records through MyIR.
