Latest news with #TheresaSokol
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Louisiana health department to give update on measles, whooping cough cases
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Leaders from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) will give an update on measles and whooping cough cases in the state. The updates will be given at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Baton Rouge. This article will provide a live stream and be updated with the latest information from health experts. The first measles case of this year in Louisiana was confirmed in April in the New Orleans area. The state health department said the person's exposure to measles was linked to international travel. LDH describes initial symptoms as a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Additional symptoms include tiny white spots inside the mouth and a rash. Health experts said the best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. Eleven states have active outbreaks of measles, and three deaths have been confirmed. What to know about food poisoning illnesses caused by listeria The number of Louisiana whooping cough, or pertussis, cases has surpassed last year's total number in the state. LDH reported 164 cases identified in the first four months of 2025 in early May. Babies are the most at risk of whooping cough, which can lead to health complications or death. Two babies in Louisiana have reportedly died with the rise in cases. Vaccination is recommended for pregnant women and people in close contact with babies. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol described the surge in cases as a 'return' to disease activity patterns before the COVID-19 pandemic. Preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows over 8,000 cases reported this year as of April 24. The Associated Press contributed to this report. US overdose deaths fell 27% last year, the largest one-year decline ever seen Ford recalls nearly 274,000 SUVs due to risk of loss of brake function Democratic leaders poised to oppose Trump impeachment: 'A distraction' Louisiana health department to give update on measles, whooping cough cases Amite River Basin Commission approves regional flood prevention plan 'Max' rebranding back to 'HBO Max' as WarnerBros. Discovery reverses course Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Louisiana whooping cough cases for 2025 higher than last year's total, LDH reports
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana's health department reports an increase in whooping cough cases that could lead to a record high this year. Compared to 153 total state cases in 2024, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has identified 164 cases in the first four months of 2025. Nationwide, over 8,400 cases have been reported this year by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. LDH reported that 40 people have been hospitalized with whooping cough, or pertussis, since September 2024, with 70% of those being babies younger than 1 year old. Two babies in Louisiana have reportedly died with the rise in cases. Experts said whooping cough peaks every two to five years, occurring around this time of the year and in the fall. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol described the surge in cases as a 'return' to disease activity patterns before the COVID-19 pandemic. 'What I can tell you is that we had a very low number of cases during the pandemic because people were practicing mitigation measures that decrease the spread of respiratory diseases,' Sokol told Louisiana First News. Sokol said symptoms can appear like a common cold before coughing fits possibly develop one to two weeks later. She said coughing 'can be so strong that people make a high-pitched whoop.' Babies are at a greater risk of whooping cough complications and death. Health officials said the bacteria that cause the disease are often unknowingly spread to babies by family members or caregivers. Sokol said babies' symptoms can differ from adults, showing as apnea and causing them to turn blue and struggle to breathe. Vaccines for pregnant women and people, including children and teens, in close contact with babies are recommended. Sokol said the department recommends people review their immunization histories and talk to health care providers about the pertussis vaccine. 'We feel like this is especially important now because of the increased pertussis activity that we've been seeing recently in Louisiana,' Sokol said. Click here for more information from LDH about pertussis. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The US has nearly 900 measles cases, and 10 states have outbreaks. Here's what to know REAL ID Louisiana: 1.2M residents make upgrade before May deadline Louisiana whooping cough cases for 2025 higher than last year's total, LDH reports Conclave trivia: How long was the longest vote? And what are antipopes? Senate GOP chair knocks Trump budget over military spending MONEY TALKS: Sticking to Your Plan Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
