Louisiana Confirms First Measles Case of 2025 in New Orleans; Patient Was Unvaccinated
Officials say the individual was treated at a local hospital but did not require admission. The patient will continue to isolate under medical supervision until they are no longer infectious.
NEW ORLEANS — Louisiana has reported its first confirmed case of measles in 2025, according to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). The patient, an unvaccinated individual from the New Orleans area, is currently in isolation following a positive diagnosis for the highly contagious virus.
Officials say the individual was treated at a local hospital but did not require admission. The patient will continue to isolate under medical supervision until they are no longer infectious. Health authorities have begun contact tracing to identify anyone who may have been exposed during the infectious period. The patient’s identity and location are being withheld to protect their privacy.
This is the first in-state measles case reported this year. In 2024, Louisiana documented three measles cases—each connected to international travel and all occurring in the New Orleans metro area.
The resurgence of measles is part of a broader national trend, with hundreds of cases emerging across the country. Health experts point to a combination of reduced vaccination coverage and increased global travel as major contributing factors.
Measles is a viral illness transmitted through airborne respiratory droplets. It is among the most contagious diseases known, capable of infecting up to 90 percent of unvaccinated individuals who come into close contact with an infected person. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area.
Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. These are followed by the appearance of a distinct red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. In some cases, measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death—particularly in young children, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
Health officials are urging Louisiana residents to check their vaccination status. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which is about 97% effective at preventing measles. The first dose should be administered at 12–15 months of age, and the second between ages 4 and 6. Adults who are unsure of their immunization history, particularly those planning international travel, are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider.
The Louisiana Department of Health continues to monitor the situation closely and is asking anyone with potential symptoms or known exposure to call their doctor before visiting a healthcare facility.
For more information about measles and vaccination resources, visit ldh.la.gov.
