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Louisiana Confirms Third Measles Case Amid Airport Exposure

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 20:43 GMT by NOLA.com

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Louisiana Confirms Third Measles Case, Warns of Public Exposure at New Orleans Airport

In a rare resurgence of measles in the United States, Louisiana health officials today confirmed the state’s third case of the highly contagious disease in 2023. The new case was identified in a 5‑year‑old child who was hospitalized in the state’s capital, Baton Rouge, after developing a fever, rash and severe cough. Public health officials have warned that the child’s recent travel on a flight from New Orleans International Airport (MSY) could have exposed a wide swath of passengers and airport staff to the virus, prompting an aggressive contact‑tracing effort that has already involved dozens of people.

A Brief Overview of Measles

Measles is a viral illness that spreads through the air via droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. With an estimated basic reproduction number (R₀) of 12–18, it can infect a large percentage of an unvaccinated population in a short period of time. Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and a characteristic maculopapular rash that spreads from the head down to the toes. Complications can be severe—particularly in young children—ranging from pneumonia and encephalitis to death.

The United States officially eliminated measles in 2000, but periodic outbreaks still occur, often linked to pockets of vaccine hesitancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged two years and older receive two doses of the measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR) vaccine. Despite high national coverage, the state of Louisiana’s coverage rate dipped below 95 % in several counties, creating a fertile environment for measles to take hold.

The Third Case in Louisiana

The third confirmed case, reported on Monday, involves a 5‑year‑old girl who was brought to the Baton Rouge Children’s Hospital after developing a classic measles rash on the third day of her illness. According to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), the child was unvaccinated for MMR. The child’s parents, both of whom had traveled from Baton Rouge to New Orleans last week, were hospitalized for observation but tested negative for measles.

The LDH’s investigation revealed that the child had taken a flight from MSY to Chicago on the day before her symptoms began. Because measles can be transmitted before a rash appears, the flight’s 350‑seat cabin and the airport’s crowded boarding area represent potential hotspots for exposure.

Dr. Jason Hughes, a spokesperson for the LDH, said in a statement, “We are extremely concerned about the possibility of this child having infected others on the flight or in the airport. We are conducting an exhaustive contact‑tracing effort to identify all individuals who may have been exposed.”

Contact‑Tracing and Public Health Response

The LDH has already identified over 200 individuals who were on the flight, including passengers, flight attendants, and ground staff. In addition, the CDC’s measles‑specific contact‑tracing team is working with the American Airlines flight crew to distribute post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP)—a single dose of MMR vaccine—to those who have not already been vaccinated or who do not have documented immunity.

Public health officials have also posted notices at MSY’s Passenger Information Center and on the airport’s official website urging anyone who was on the flight, as well as those who worked at the terminal during the time window, to seek medical evaluation. In a letter to the public, the LDH recommended that individuals who do not have a documented MMR vaccination status within the last 10 years consider receiving a titer test or a single dose of MMR to ensure they are protected.

Historical Context: The First Two Cases

Louisiana’s first measles case was reported in March 2023 in a 3‑year‑old boy from St. Tammany Parish who had recently traveled to Mexico City. The second case surfaced in August 2023 involving a 9‑year‑old girl from Jefferson Parish who had been in Haiti. Both children were unvaccinated and developed classic symptoms after a brief illness. The state’s response to the earlier cases—quick isolation, contact‑tracing, and PEP distribution—helped prevent secondary transmission, but the persistence of unvaccinated pockets remains a challenge.

Vaccine Recommendations and Public Health Guidance

Dr. Hughes emphasized the importance of vaccination, noting that the MMR vaccine is “the most effective tool we have to prevent measles outbreaks.” He also urged parents to check their children’s immunization records and to schedule a titer test if they are unsure of their status. The CDC’s “Measles: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family” page, linked in the article, offers detailed guidance on who should receive the vaccine, how to get vaccinated, and what to do if you suspect you have been exposed.

The article also cites the LDH’s own Measles Prevention Guidelines page, which outlines steps for healthcare providers, school districts, and employers on managing suspected cases and preventing secondary spread.

What This Means for Louisiana Residents

The outbreak underscores the fact that measles can still spread in communities where vaccination coverage falls below the herd‑immunity threshold. While the number of confirmed cases remains low, the potential for a larger outbreak—particularly in dense urban areas or on transit hubs—remains real. Louisiana’s health officials have called on residents to:

1. Ensure their children are up‑to‑date with MMR (the first dose at 12–15 months, second dose at 4–6 years).
2. Get tested or vaccinated if they suspect exposure.
3. Report any measles‑like illness to local health departments promptly.
4. Avoid travel to high‑risk areas if they have not completed the MMR series.

In the wake of the new case, the state’s health department has announced plans to increase outreach efforts in communities with low vaccination rates, including school‑based vaccination drives and public information campaigns.

Conclusion

Louisiana’s third confirmed measles case, involving an unvaccinated child who traveled through MSY, serves as a stark reminder of how quickly measles can spread when immunity gaps exist. The state’s swift response—encompassing contact‑tracing, PEP distribution, and public advisories—demonstrates the effectiveness of preparedness protocols. Still, the situation highlights the ongoing need for vigilance, vaccination, and public education to keep this preventable disease at bay.

For those seeking more detailed information, the article links directly to the Louisiana Department of Health’s measles page, the CDC’s measles prevention guide, and the New Orleans International Airport’s public‑health notice. Those concerned about potential exposure are encouraged to review those resources and to reach out to local health providers promptly.