U.S. Medical News - Surge in respiratory illnesses including COVID-19 and measles alarms Louisiana as school year begins
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 06, 2024 3 months, 2 weeks, 1 day, 1 hour, 48 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News: As Louisiana children prepare to return to school, a significant rise in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and measles, has raised concerns among local health experts. The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified Louisiana as one of the nation's COVID-19 hot spots, as seen by increased virus detection in wastewater systems.
U.S. Medical News - Surge in respiratory illnesses including COVID-19 and
measles alarms Louisiana as school year begins
Louisiana's COVID-19 Situation
The U.S. CDC's wastewater testing, which monitors the presence of COVID-19 at numerous sites nationwide, indicates that Louisiana's COVID-19 activity level is nearly double the national average.
"While our hospitals are seeing folks with COVID, at this point, our hospital systems are not overburdened," stated Dr Jennifer Avegno, director of the New Orleans Department of Health. Although COVID-19 cases are increasing, the CDC reports a relatively low death rate of 1.5% and a hospitalization rate of 3.1 per 100,000 people.
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home
Measles on the Rise
Pediatrician Dr Anthony Hudson expressed growing concern over the resurgence of measles, a highly contagious viral disease. "With vaccination rates falling, we are seeing more and more cases of measles now," Dr Hudson told
U.S. Medical News journalists, "Measles can have long-lasting effects or even affect the brain, even after recovery."
Louisiana is among 27 states that have reported cases of measles this year, with nine cases recorded so far. Dr Avegno attributes this rise to an increase in families seeking vaccine exemptions before the new school year. "This is not something we want circulating in schools," she warned, urging parents to understand the risks associated with not vaccinating their children.
Increased Vigilance and Preventive Measures
As more students head back to classrooms, doctors emphasize the importance of preventive measures to keep students and teachers safe. "Handwashing is of utmost importance," Dr Hudson advised, highlighting that both teachers and students should practice good hygiene, especially before eating or after using the restroom.
In addition to measles, COVID-19 remains a significant concern. The CDC's monitoring of COVID-19 in wastewater systems resumed this summer, revealing that Louisiana's infection levels are in the "very high" category. Louisiana is also one of only three states with "moderate" COVID-19 emergency room visits, along with Texas and Florida. The state ranks in the top five for positive COVID-19 test rates, with around 20% of tests coming back positive.<
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Since October, nearly 500 people have died from COVID-19 in Louisiana, including four children. Last month alone, eight people succumbed to the virus. Dr Sandra Kemmerly, system medical director for infectious diseases at Ochsner Health, noted a significant increase in hospitalizations. "Our hospitalizations have surged from under 10 COVID-positive patients system-wide to now exceeding 130," she said. "Most people who test positive are not being hospitalized or becoming as critically ill as we have seen in the past; however, the increased statewide percent positivity hints at a summer spike."
Recommendations for Families
Health experts continue to advocate for preventive measures to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses. "Individuals with COVID-like symptoms should follow preventive measures like hand hygiene, masking, and isolation," Dr Kemmerly recommended.
With the new school year on the horizon, it is crucial for families to heed the advice of medical professionals and ensure their children are protected against both COVID-19 and measles. The rise in respiratory illnesses serves as a reminder of the importance of measles vaccinations and preventive health measures to safeguard the community's well-being.
As Louisiana faces these health challenges, staying informed and proactive will be key to navigating the upcoming school year safely. Parents are urged to consult with their healthcare providers and prioritize the health of their children and the wider community.
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