NEW ORLEANS (AP) — One case of measles has been confirmed in New Orleans.
NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune cites a release from the Louisiana Department of Health that says the patient traveled from the United Kingdom last week and became increasingly sick before being hospitalized over the weekend. Samples taken over the weekend tested positive for measles.
The viral illness is highly contagious, but state health officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says it's rare in the United States as almost all children are vaccinated before they enter school.
Guidry says epidemiologists are trying to determine where the patient traveled and has visited since landing in New Orleans. It's unclear where the patient normally resides.
The patient remains hospitalized in an unreleased condition.