State health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a pediatric patient exposed during international travel, warning there may have been subsequent public exposure last week at the Walmart and Target stores in Kenner.
The Louisiana Department of Health reported the case Wednesday evening, saying the person is in isolation and receiving treatment at a hospital in Region 1, which includes Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard parishes.
The possible exposures were on Friday, April 17 at the Target at 1401 West Esplanade Avenue and the Walmart Supercenter at 300 West Esplanade Avenue.
“Anyone who was at these locations on this date may have been exposed to measles,” the health department said, noting this is the first measles case reported in Louisiana in 2026.
In 2025, the state reported three cases of the disease, which is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among people who have not received the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Approximately 90% of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles will become infected. Measles can result in hospitalization and, in extreme cases, death. The measles virus can be especially dangerous for babies and young children, pregnant women, and people who have compromised immune systems, the health department said.
The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized against measles. Adults need at least one dose of MMR vaccine given after the age of 1. Individuals born before 1957 or who had measles as a child are considered immune.
State officials said the patient was partially vaccinated, and no further information about them will be released to protect patient confidentiality.
The health department said initial symptoms of the disease typically appear 7-14 days after infection and include a high fever that may spike as high as 104°, a cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Two to three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots, known as Koplik spots, may appear inside the mouth.
Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash will break out, usually appearing as flat red spots on the face at the hairline and spreading down to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet. After a few days, the fever subsides and the rash fades.
Anyone who fears they may have been exposed should call their health care provider, who can determine if they are protected against measles based on their vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence. They should also contact their regional epidemiologist with the Louisiana Department of Health, who can provide additional guidance.
They should also stay at home and avoid any large gatherings, the health department said.
If you are unsure whether you have been vaccinated, ask your health care provider to find out if you need an MMR. You can also check your family’s vaccine status at MyIR.
The MMR vaccine is available at the following LDH parish health units in Region 1:
• Jefferson Parish Parish Health Unit-Metairie: 111 N Causeway Blvd., Metairie
• Jefferson Parish Parish Health Unit-Marrero: 1855 Ames Blvd., Marrero