While the state hasn’t seen a case this year, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging doctors to be on the lookout for measles following an upswing of cases across the country. Assistant State Health Officer, Dr. Joseph Kanter, says measles cases have been reported in areas as close as Georgia and Houston
“The Louisiana Department of Health is keeping our eye out on these cases and more importantly getting the word out to clinicians, clinics, emergency departments, to be aware of the surrounding cases.,” said Kanter.
The CDC has documented just over 100 cases in 10 states.
“If any signs of suspicious cases come into one of our statewide clinics, we have a hotline for folks to reach epidemiologists with the department and track those cases down,” said Kanter
Kanter said measles is one of the more contagious diseases out there and it can be spread just by breathing in the same room as someone very contagious.
“A lot of folks have forgotten how serious measles can be. It can lead to deafness and brain defects, really horrible complications,” said Kanter.
But the good news is that most people have been vaccinated to protect themselves from measles. He says over 96% of kindergartners are up to date on their shots.
