Louisiana
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
Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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