BATON ROUGE, La. (NEWS 15) -- The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announced that no new measles cases have been identified following two recent reports in the state. Meanwhile, a concerning rise in whooping cough cases continues across Louisiana.

The LDH's recent measles cases involved adult residents in Region 1, linked to international travel, with no hospitalizations required. The vaccination status of these individuals varied, with one confirmed as unvaccinated.

Since 1996, Louisiana has reported sporadic measles cases, including two in 2025. The virus, preventable by the MMR vaccine, poses significant risk, especially to young children.

In contrast, whooping cough cases have surged, with 170 reported in 2025, surpassing 2024's total of 154. The state is on track to exceed the record 214 cases set in 2013.

This increase has led to more hospitalizations, particularly among infants. Tragically, two young infants have died in the past year, marking the first whooping cough deaths since 2018.

Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is highly contagious and preventable through vaccination. The DTaP and Tdap vaccines offer protection, though immunity can fade over time.

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