New Orleans Health Department

Your partner in community health, offering essential healthcare access, family support programs, and emergency services. We provide comprehensive care through healthcare facilities, nutrition programs, and preventive services.

Our focus includes public health emergencies, chronic disease management, behavioral health support, and environmental initiatives - all working together to create a healthier New Orleans.

Update on Current Measles Outbreak

A measles outbreak continues to spread in west nearby Texas and New Mexico. At this time, more than 140 known cases have been identified since late January. At least twenty of the patients have been hospitalized and a school-aged child who lived in the outbreak area has died. The child was not vaccinated.

Measles is more contagious than Ebola, smallpox or just about any other infectious disease. You can be exposed to measles up to two hours after being in an area where someone with measles has been. The best way to protect yourself—and your community—against measles is by getting the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

A fact sheet is available to learn key facts, signs and symptoms, who is at risk, treatment and prevention strategies.

View Measles Fact Sheet

Health Department

(504) 658-2598 (504) 658-2500 Email Health Department
1300 Perdido St. Suite 8E18 New Orleans, LA 70112

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March 7, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

Expanding Measles Outbreak in the United States and Guidance for the Upcoming Travel Season

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians, public health officials, and potential travelers about a measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico and offer guidance for prevention and monitoring. As of March 7, 2025, Texas and New Mexico have reported 208 confirmed cases associated with this outbreak (198 in Texas and 10 in New Mexico). As a part of this outbreak, two deaths have been reported: one in Texas and one in New Mexico. More cases are expected as this outbreak continues to expand.

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February 18, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Health Department Expands Mardi Gras First Aid Stations with Two New Initiatives for 2025

As the city gears up for another exciting Mardi Gras season, the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) is once again ensuring the health and safety of paradegoers with its Mardi Gras First Aid Stations. Operated in partnership with New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS), NOLA Ready Volunteers, the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), the American Red Cross, and official sponsor LCMC Health, these stations provide immediate medical assistance for minor injuries, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other non-life-threatening conditions. By offering on-site care, the NOHDFirst Aid Stations help alleviate strain on local hospitals and emergency services while keeping festivalgoers safe.

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February 12, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Health Department Releases 2024 STI Report, Highlighting Urgent Need for Expanded Testing and Prevention Efforts

New Orleans–The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) has released its 2024 STI Report, providing the latest data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the city. The report, based on 2018-2023 data from the Louisiana Department of Health, highlights alarming trends, including a chlamydia incidence rate that exceeds both state and national averages and a sharp increase in new HIV cases among 15–19-year-olds.

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January 31, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

Notice of Funding Availability: Swimming Pool Safety Intervention

The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) is seeking highly qualified organizations to deliver programs and services that improve pool safety by providing free or reduced rates swimming lessons and pool safety education for New Orleans residents. NOHD seeks organizations with an established history of providing swimming lessons and providing water safety education to community members.

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January 28, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

FDA Approves and Authorizes Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines to Better Protect Against Currently Circulating Variants

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved and granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been updated with this formula to more closely target currently circulating variants and provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. Today’s actions relate to updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

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January 28, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

CDC updates and simplifies respiratory virus recommendations

CDC released today updated recommendations for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers. CDC is making updates to the recommendations now because the U.S. is seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV.

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