State health officials are investigating a confirmed case of measles in New Orleans. The case is not related to another measles case that was reported in early April, health officials said. In both cases, the individuals were not vaccinated.
“It can take anywhere from 10 to 21 days after a person comes in contact with someone with measles for that person to develop symptoms. We are beyond 21 days since the last reported case so we are confident the two cases are not related,” said Dr. Parham Jaberi, Assistant State Health Officer in a statement.
The second measles patient is under care in a New Orleans hospital. Investigators believe he caught the measles while traveling out of the country. The state Office of Public Health is working to locate people who may have come in contact with the patient, to try to prevent the spread of the virus.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread rapidly among people who have not been vaccinated. In extreme cases, the illness can lead to hospitalization and even death.