Louisiana health department to give update on measles, whooping cough cases

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Leaders from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) will give an update on measles and whooping cough cases in the state.

The updates will be given at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Baton Rouge. This article will provide a live stream and be updated with the latest information from health experts.

Measles in Louisiana: What to know

The first measles case of this year in Louisiana was confirmed in April in the New Orleans area. The state health department said the person’s exposure to measles was linked to international travel.

LDH describes initial symptoms as a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Additional symptoms include tiny white spots inside the mouth and a rash.

Health experts said the best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated.

Eleven states have active outbreaks of measles, and three deaths have been confirmed.

Whooping cough cases on the rise

The number of Louisiana whooping cough, or pertussis, cases has surpassed last year’s total number in the state. LDH reported 164 cases identified in the first four months of 2025 in early May.

Babies are the most at risk of whooping cough, which can lead to health complications or death. Two babies in Louisiana have reportedly died with the rise in cases. Vaccination is recommended for pregnant women and people in close contact with babies.

State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol described the surge in cases as a “return” to disease activity patterns before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows over 8,000 cases reported this year as of April 24.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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