Travelers Warned After Measles Exposure At New Orleans Airport

The Louisiana Department of Health says an adult from Region 9 has a confirmed case of measles after international travel. LDH also reports a potential public exposure at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Sunday, November 9, between 5:00 and 8:30 p.m. in Concourse B beyond security. The patient was not hospitalized and is isolating. Vaccination status is unknown.

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LDH identifies Region 9 as Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. Officials say measles can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infectious person leaves an area, which is why the stated window includes that time. People on the same flight will be notified by their home health department.

The exposure location and timing are specific: MSY’s Concourse B, Sunday, November 9, 5:00–8:30 p.m. Travelers who passed through that concourse during that period should check immunity and monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days. Multiple local outlets have echoed LDH’s advisory.

Third Case in Louisiana This Year

This is Louisiana’s third measles case in 2025. The first two were travel associated in Region 1 and were announced in April; neither required hospitalization. One of those patients was unvaccinated, and the second’s status was unknown. LDH closed that investigation on May 9.

Measles often starts with fever of 101°F or higher, red watery eyes, cough, and runny nose, followed by a red blotchy rash that begins on the face and moves downward. Symptoms typically appear 7–12 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days. Call your provider before arriving in person so clinics can take precautions.

The MMR vaccine is the best protection. Adults are considered immune with at least one MMR dose given after age 1, or if they were born before 1957, or had measles previously. If you are unsure of your status, contact your healthcare provider.

Why This matters to Shreveport and North Louisiana

Even though the confirmed case is tied to Region 9 and exposure was at MSY, measles spread easily among unvaccinated people. Holiday travel from Shreveport to New Orleans and beyond increases the chance of crossing paths with exposed travelers.

Staying current on MMR protects you, infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and neighbors with weakened immune systems.