The Louisiana Department of Health has now confirmed two measles cases in the New Orleans area. The second case was identified through contact tracing. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham said in a news conference that this was an older case and is not infectious at all.
“You’re generally infectious four days before the rash and four days after. But on our contact tracing, because of the efficiency and the effectiveness of our contact tracing team, we’re going to follow these people for 21 days,” Abraham said.
Dr. Abraham says like the first patient, the second patient likely contracted measles while traveling abroad. He says while the two cases are related, it’s unclear how they’re related. Abraham says the first patient was unvaccinated; and while it’s likely the second patient was also unvaccinated, he isn’t entirely sure. Abraham is urging those who have not already done so to get vaccinated against measles.
“We like that MMR vaccine. We recommend it for our children, and it is a good vaccine. We want them to get it,” Abraham said.
Measles first popped up in Texas earlier this year. In that state, more than 600 people have been infected, and two unvaccinated children have died. In all, there are more than 800 cases across the country. Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan says take extra precautions if you believe you or a loved one is infected.
“If you’re concerned about exposure or having symptoms to call ahead, because we don’t want patients just showing up to a clinic or hospital where they can expose other,” Croughan advised.
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