The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed Wednesday that Louisiana’s first measles case of 2026 involves a Kenner child who picked up the virus during international travel and is now isolated and receiving treatment at a Region 1 hospital. Officials said the patient was partially vaccinated, and investigators warned that shoppers at two big‑box stores on West Esplanade Avenue on Friday may have been exposed. Contact tracing is underway, and local officials are once again urging residents to double‑check their MMR vaccination status and keep an eye out for symptoms.
Where exposures may have happened
State health officials identified the possible exposure sites as the Target Kenner at 1401 W. Esplanade Ave. and the Walmart Supercenter at 300 W. Esplanade Ave. Anyone who was inside either store on Friday may have been exposed, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. The department said this is the first measles case reported in Louisiana in 2026 and noted that three measles cases were reported statewide in 2025. No additional identifying details about the child have been released in order to protect patient privacy.
Patient status and response
Local reporting echoed the state’s statement that the child was partially vaccinated and is receiving care at a Region 1 hospital, as reported by FOX 8. Public health teams are working to identify close contacts and are advising anyone who may have been exposed to call a health care provider before showing up for in‑person care. Officials stressed that isolation, rapid notification of contacts and basic precautions remain the best tools to keep the virus from spreading further.
National context
The Kenner scare is unfolding against a broader national rise in measles cases tied to international travel and pockets of low vaccination coverage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,748 confirmed measles cases in the United States as of April 16, 2026, and says most infections this year are outbreak associated, according to the CDC. Local coverage and public health messaging have urged New Orleans area residents to check their MMR records amid the surge, a point underscored in earlier reporting that measles surge puts New Orleans on edge.
How to protect yourself
Health officials say the best protection against measles is the measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR) vaccine. The state reports that MMR is available at parish health units in Region 1, including locations in Metairie and Marrero, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. If you were at either store on Friday or develop fever, cough or an unexplained rash, you are urged to call your health care provider first and avoid public places until you receive guidance. Those unsure of their vaccine records can check immunization status through MyIR.
Public health officials say that early reporting, strict isolation and strong vaccination coverage are key to keeping measles transmission low in most communities. Anyone with questions, or who believes they were exposed, can contact their parish health unit or the Louisiana Department of Health regional epidemiologist for further guidance.
