Measles case confirmed in New Orleans by LDH
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A case of measles has been confirmed in New Orleans by the Louisiana Department of Health on Friday, Aug. 9.
According to the LDH, the patient is an international visitor who was not fully vaccinated and had been exposed to the illness while outside of the United States.
This marks the third reported measles case in Louisiana in 2024.
The patient is now in isolation and has received treatment at a Greater New Orleans hospital.
People who were at the Ramada by Wyndham hotel at 6303 Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans on Wednesday, Aug. 7, could have been exposed to measles and risk developing symptoms within 21 days.
What to know about the controversy over a cancelled grain terminal in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley
Measles is reportedly a highly contagious illness that can spread quickly among people who haven’t had the MMR vaccine. Among those who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, only three out of 100 are likely to still get measles if exposed.
Nearly half of measles cases in the United States in 2024 have led to hospitalization. In extreme cases, it can also lead to death. Measles is especially dangerous for babies and young children.
The LDH gives the following information on regarding the symptoms of measles:
“The early symptoms of measles generally appear about seven to 14 days after a person is infected.”
“Measles typically begins with high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Two or three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth of a patient.”
“Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash breaks out. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots. The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body. When the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.”
“After a few days, the fever subsides and the rash fades.”
Boil water advisory lifted for East Bank of New Orleans, Algiers Point
If you think you have been exposed to measles, the LDH recommends the following:
Immediately contact your healthcare provider to let them know you’ve been exposed. They can help to determine if you are protected against the illness.
Monitor your symptoms, and particularly, look out for fever or an unexplained rash between seven and 21 days after exposure.
Notify your healthcare provider before arriving for an in-person visit so that accommodations can be made to protect other patients and healthcare staff.
For those who aren’t immune to measles, the MMR vaccine or a medicine called “immune globulin” could help reduce the risk of developing the illness.
Those who are not immune and do not take the MMR vaccine or immune globulin should stay away from settings with susceptible people. These include places like schools, hospitals and childcare facilities.
The LDH also recommends that those who believe they have measles stay at home and avoid school, work and any large gatherings. Such individuals should also call their healthcare provider so that next steps can be arranged.
For more information, the LDH offers a webpage about measles and a list of frequently asked questions regarding the illness.
Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.
Latest Posts
Cam Jordan doing ‘whatever it takes to get more’ for the Saints in year 14
Virus that causes ‘slapped cheek’ rash in kids is rising in US, CDC warns
McDonald’s debuts limited-edition collectible cups in adult Happy Meals: how to get yours
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
