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Secure .gov websites use HTTPS LDH is moving forward with a plan to distribute food benefits on EBT cards tomorrow. If the USDA, who administers the SNAP program, is prepared and ready to move money into states’ accounts this evening, we will use federal dollars to fund SNAP recipients’ accounts. If they are not ready, LDH will proceed with our state-funded program to provide food assistance to the elderly, the disabled, and households with children through their existing EBT cards.
LDH News
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Louisiana Department of Health continues to urge caution to prevent Vibrio vulnificus infection
Vibrio bacteria can cause illness when an open wound is exposed to coastal waters or when a person eats raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters.
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LDH confirms first human West Nile virus case of 2025 mosquito season
This case was confirmed in an individual from Livingston Parish who was hospitalized due to complications from the infection.
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LDH reminds residents to protect against West Nile virus
Mosquito activity increases during the warmer summer months, which raises the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
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LDH concludes measles investigation, updates whooping cough cases in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Health today announced encouraging news regarding measles in the state, with no new infections identified following two recently reported cases. However, LDH continues to monitor a concerning trend of increasing whooping cough (pertussis) cases across Louisiana.
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Whooping cough cases remain high across Louisiana
The significant spread of whooping cough is leading to a corresponding increase in reported hospitalizations and deaths.
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Louisiana Department of Health confirms Greater New Orleans area measles case
This is the first measles case reported in Louisiana in 2025.
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LDH reports first U.S. H5N1-related human death
The patient was over the age of 65 and was reported to have underlying medical conditions.
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LDH detects first presumptive positive human H5N1 case in Louisiana
While the current public health risk for the general public is low, people who work with birds, poultry or cows, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk.
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LDH launches congenital syphilis prevention pilot to increase screening opportunities during pregnancy
Screening for syphilis in pregnant women and treating it promptly when it is diagnosed is a critical strategy in preventing syphilis from being passed to newborns.
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LDH confirms New Orleans measles case
The patient is an international visitor who was not fully vaccinated, and was exposed to measles outside of the U.S.
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LDH confirms four cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease in Franklin Parish
While it is not uncommon to see increased West Nile disease activity in Louisiana during the summer months, a cluster of cases in a small locality is unusual.
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LDH issues health guidance following confirmed measles cases in Greater New Orleans
Both individuals were unvaccinated for measles and were exposed to the virus while visiting another state.