Louisiana

Flu Outbreak in Louisiana: Should You Be Worried?

Published

1 year ago

February 4, 2025

Flu Outbreak in Louisiana: Should You Be Worried?

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) – As we enter the last weeks of peak flu season, health officials are warning residents about rising flu cases, increased hospital visits, and ongoing RSV activity.

With one pediatric flu-related death reported and the highly transmissible A/H3 strain dominating cases, experts urge residents to take precautions.

The latest Influenza & Other Respiratory Viruses Surveillance Report from the Louisiana Department of Health confirms that flu activity is well above normal levels, with more than 9% of emergency room visits linked to flu-like symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about the current flu outbreak in Louisiana and how to stay protected.

Louisiana Flu Rates Surge

Louisiana is seeing a major spike in flu cases, according to LDH data, with the latest report showing above-average flu-like illness (ILI) activity across the state. That ILI is among the highest in the country, even above the already-high southern states surrounding it.

Credit: Louisiana Department of Health

According to data for the week ending January 25, 2025, 9.7 percent of emergency department visits were due to flu-like symptoms, well above the regional baseline of 3.9 percent.

It’s gotten to the point where several medical offices have taken to swabbing patients if they even report a minor symptom or two. At this point, some in the medical field told KPEL News, if you have even one or two minor symptoms, chances are you’ve got the flu.

Flu Positivity and Virus Spread

And the data seems to confirm that. Testing results around the state confirm that 20.8 percent of flu tests in Louisiana are coming back positive, indicating a widespread outbreak.

Nationally, the flu positivity rate is 29.4 percent, showing that Louisiana’s flu season is in full swing but still slightly lower than the national trend. Still, the number of people showing symptoms is concerning.

Experts warn that cases are continuing to rise, suggesting the worst may not be over.

Flu-Associated Mortality and At-Risk Populations

So far, one pediatric flu-related death has been reported in Louisiana, with 47 flu-related pediatric deaths nationwide. Additionally, 87 percent of Influenza A cases in Louisiana have been identified as A/H3, a strain known for causing severe illness, particularly in older adults.

There are plenty of preventative measures you can take to try and prevent catching it, including washing your hands, communicating with others ahead of social gatherings, and more.

RSV and Other Respiratory Viruses in Louisiana

Adding to the concern, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) season is still active, affecting infants, young children, and older adults.

Other respiratory viruses such as Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, and Human Metapneumovirus are also circulating, which can be seen in the pharmacy section of your local grocery stores. Regulars like DayQuil, NyQuil, Mucinex, and more seem to be flying off the shelves.

What Louisiana Residents Need to Know

With flu activity surging across the state of Louisiana, it’s never too late to get a flu vaccine if you haven’t gotten the flu yet, practice good hygiene, and keep an eye and ear out for potential exposure.

The last thing you want is to catch the flu.

10 Things Every True South Louisiana Driver Should Keep in Their Car

Living in South Louisiana comes with its own set of unique challenges, from unpredictable weather to surprise mosquito invasions. Whether you’re navigating backroads, chasing sunsets along the bayou, or heading to a crawfish boil, your car needs to be stocked with essentials that reflect life in the Pelican State. Here are the 10 must-have items every true South Louisianian should keep in their vehicle.

Gallery Credit: Joe Cunningham

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Louisiana

Silver Alert issued for missing New Orleans man

Published

12 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

Silver Alert issued for missing New Orleans man

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Louisiana State Police issued a Silver Alert Friday for a 76-year-old New Orleans man who has been missing since Wednesday.

Elbert Welch was last seen in the 1700 block of Holiday Drive on May 6 at approximately 11 a.m. State police received the request to issue a Silver Alert at approximately 6:54 p.m. Friday on behalf of the New Orleans Police Department.

Welch is a white male with brown eyes and black and gray hair. He is 5′10″ and weighs approximately 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a khaki shirt, black pants and a blue baseball cap.

Family reports that Welch has a medical condition that may impair his judgment.

Welch is believed to be walking on foot in an unknown direction.

Anyone with information regarding Welch’s whereabouts is asked to immediately contact the New Orleans Police Department, 4th District, at (504) 821-2222 or dial 911. All questions should be directed to the New Orleans Police Department.

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Louisiana

Louisiana baseball vs App State live score, TV and more from SBC series

Published

24 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Press Room

Louisiana baseball vs App State live score, TV and more from SBC series

Pressure is back on for Louisiana baseball, especially on the weekend in Sun Belt Conference play.

The Ragin’ Cajuns (30-19, 12-12) dropped their final midweek game of the season, losing 9-6 to the University of New Orleans in extra innings. Now, the Cajuns are back on the road for SBC play, needing every win they can get to better their chances of snagging a regional spot. They travel to Appalachian State for what will likely be a chilly three-game series against the Mountaineers.

Seventh-year head coach Matt Deggs will go with junior Cody Brasch to start Game 1, a spot the right-hander is becoming accustomed to. Saturday’s are for Andrew Herrmann, the most reliable of the Cajuns’ arms through the year. App State will start junior righty Nick DiRito on Friday, followed by junior righty Gage Peterson and junior lefty Tanner Nolan to close out the series.

Here’s how to watch Ragin’ Cajuns baseball in its SBC series vs App State (28-18, 15-9), including time, TV schedule, live score and streaming information.

Watch Louisiana baseball vs App State on ESPN+

Louisiana baseball vs App State live score

What channel is Louisiana baseball vs App State on?

TV: None

Livestream: ESPN+

Radio: Varsity Network, 96.5 FM

Louisiana vs. App State will be available live on ESPN+ streaming service for the teams’ ninth SBC series of the 2026 college baseball season. Matt Present will provide commentary from Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium.

What time does Louisiana baseball play App State today?

5 p.m. Friday, May 8
2 p.m. Saturday, May 9
12 p.m. Sunday, May 10

The Louisiana vs. App State series starts at 5 p.m. Friday at Beaver Field in Boone, N.C., followed by Game 2 at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Cajuns will close out the series at noon on Sunday.

Louisiana baseball vs App State weather update

Friday’s matchup will be played in semi-cloudy weather with sunshine throughout the day. It’ll be a high of 62 degrees and a low of 44 degrees. Winds will get up to about five to 10 mph, and there is less than a 7% chance of rain in the afternoon. Saturday’s game will be played in warmer weather with a high of 67 degrees, followed by Sunday’s high of 73 degrees.

Louisiana baseball vs App State history

Series record: Louisiana leads 14-9

In Lafayette: Series tied 6-6

In Boone: Louisiana leads 6-3

Louisiana’s last win: April 2, 2023 (6-0)

App State’s last win: April 1, 2023 (8-5)

Shannon Belt covers high school sports and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow her high school and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ShannonBelt3. Got questions regarding HS/UL athletics? Send them to Shannon Belt at sbelt@gannett.com.

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Louisiana

Behind the Curtain: How Louisiana’s Parole System and Courts Shape Who Goes Free | The Lens

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2026

Press Room

Behind the Curtain: How Louisiana’s Parole System and Courts Shape Who Goes Free | The Lens

This week on Behind The Lens, the public gets a rare look inside one of the most powerful and least understood parts of Louisiana’s criminal justice system: the parole process.

A sign posted on the door at the live parole hearing on the campus of Loyola University. (Photo by Gus Bennett / The Lens)

In Louisiana, Parole Board hearings are sometimes held in public, offering families, victims, attorneys, advocates, and reporters an opportunity to witness how decisions are made about who is granted freedom and who remains incarcerated. But those hearings reveal more than individual cases. They expose the broader tensions shaping punishment, rehabilitation, public safety, and political pressure across the state.

Reporters Bernard Smith and Gus Bennett join editor Katy Reckdahl to examine how parole decisions are influenced not only by testimony inside the hearing room, but also by a growing wave of legal and political changes moving through Louisiana’s courts and legislature. From rulings connected to the Louisiana Supreme Court to election season politics and criminal justice reforms, the episode explores how policy decisions made at the highest levels can directly affect incarcerated people, victims’ families, prosecutors, and entire communities.

The discussion also breaks down how recent state actions involving sentencing, parole eligibility, election dynamics, and judicial oversight are reshaping Louisiana’s criminal justice landscape in real time. Together, the team examines the human consequences behind those decisions and what they reveal about accountability, power, and transparency inside the system.

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music “Fading Prospects” by Podington Bear (soundofpicture.com)

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