The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has confirmed one case of measles in an adult resident of Region 1 (comprised of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard parishes). At this time, the patient’s exposure to measles appears to be linked to international travel.
The individual who tested positive is in isolation and has received treatment at a Region 1 hospital. The patient was not hospitalized and will remain in isolation until no longer infectious. This patient was not vaccinated. To protect patient confidentiality, no further information about the patient will be released.
The LDH Office of Public Health is working to identify and notify those who have come into contact with the infected individual.
This is the first measles case reported in Louisiana in 2025. In 2024, three confirmed travel-associated measles cases were reported in Louisiana, all in the greater New Orleans area.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among individuals who have not received the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Measles cases can result in hospitalization and, in extreme cases, can lead to death. The measles virus can be particularly dangerous for babies and young children.
The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized against measles. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether the MMR vaccine is right for you.