Louisiana well being officers verify measles case in little one after worldwide journey

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed one case of measles in a baby. The affected person was uncovered to measles throughout worldwide journey and is in isolation at a hospital. The affected person was partially vaccinated.

Anyone at these two places on Friday, April 17, could have been uncovered to measles:

• Target Kenner, 1401 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner
• Walmart Supercenter, 300 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner

This is the primary measles case reported in Louisiana in 2026. In 2025, three measles instances have been reported in Louisiana.

Measles is extremely contagious. About 90% of unvaccinated people who find themselves uncovered to measles will develop into contaminated. Measles may end up in hospitalization and, in excessive instances, loss of life. The virus may be harmful for infants and younger kids, pregnant ladies, and individuals who have compromised immune programs.

The greatest solution to forestall getting sick is to get the MMR vaccine. Adults want a minimum of one dose of MMR vaccine given after age 1. People born earlier than 1957 or who had measles as a baby are thought of immune.

Symptoms typically seem about 7-14 days after an individual is contaminated and embody a excessive fever which will spike as excessive as 104°, a cough, runny nostril, and crimson, watery eyes. Two to a few days after signs start, tiny white spots could seem contained in the mouth. Three to 5 days after signs start, a rash will escape on the face on the hairline and unfold downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and toes.

Call your well being care supplier instantly. Watch for fever and an unexplained rash from 7-21 days after publicity. If you aren’t proof against measles, the MMR vaccine or a drugs referred to as immune globulin could assist cut back your danger of growing measles.

Stay at dwelling and keep away from faculty, work, and any massive gatherings. Call your well being care supplier instantly and allow them to learn about your signs earlier than you arrive.

MMR is out there at these parish well being models:

• Jefferson Parish Parish Health Unit-Metairie: 111 N Causeway Blvd., Metairie
• Jefferson Parish Parish Health Unit-Marrero: 1855 Ames Blvd., Marrero

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Click Here to report it. Please embody the headline.

Subscribe to the Fox 8 YouTube channel.