The Louisiana Department of Health said the patient, who was partially vaccinated, is in isolation and receiving treatment at a regional hospital. Public exposure may have occurred April 17 at a Target and Walmart on West Esplanade Avenue in Kenner. Anyone present at those locations on that date is advised to monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if concerns arise.
Measles is highly contagious, with about 90% of unvaccinated individuals becoming infected after exposure. The virus spreads through the air and can linger in a space even after an infected person has left. Symptoms typically appear within 7 to 14 days and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes and a rash that begins on the face and spreads downward across the body.
Health officials recommend that anyone who may have been exposed call a healthcare provider before visiting in person to avoid spreading the virus. Residents should monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure and verify their vaccination status. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective protection and can help prevent severe illness.