Louisiana Reports First Measles Case of 2025 Linked to International Travel

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announced on April 19, 2025, that the state has reported its first case of measles this year, involving an unvaccinated adult resident of the Greater New Orleans area. Health officials confirm that the patient’s exposure is likely linked to recent international travel.

The patient is currently in isolation after receiving treatment at a Region 1 hospital. They were not hospitalized and are expected to remain isolated until they are no longer contagious.

LDH officials stated they are actively conducting contact tracing to notify individuals who may have been in close contact with the infected person. This marks a resurgence of the measles virus in Louisiana, following three travel-associated cases that were reported last year, all occurring in the same geographic area.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread through the air via coughing and sneezing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves a room. Complications from the disease can be severe, including hospitalization and, in rare cases, death, particularly impacting young children.

Symptoms of measles generally develop 7 to 14 days after exposure, starting with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Two to three days after these initial signs, patients may experience white spots in the mouth, followed by a widespread rash that begins at the hairline and descends across the body.

Health authorities emphasize that the best way to prevent measles is through immunization. The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is proven to be highly effective, with two doses providing about 97% protection against infection.

Officials advise individuals who believe they may have been exposed to measles to call their healthcare provider rather than visit in person, to avoid further transmission of the virus. Those experiencing symptoms should stay home and monitor their condition closely.

For the latest updates and resources related to measles, the Louisiana Department of Health encourages citizens to visit their website or contact healthcare professionals for guidance concerning vaccination status.