Louisiana
How will declining vaccination rates impact disease outbreaks in Louisiana?
Those exposed to measles can take MMR vaccine within 72 hours
Colleen Wallace, R.N., discusses how people exposed to measles have up to 72 hours to get a dose of MMR vaccine for protection.
Under Louisiana state law, children enrolled in any school within the state are required to receive immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases, however, parents and guardians can request exemptions.
In addition to medical reasons, the state allows exemptions from vaccine requirements for religious and/or philosophical reasons, says the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)
All requests for vaccine exemptions are granted, according to the LDH, yet higher rates of non-medical exemptions have been linked with increased disease transmission, according to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
What will happen if Louisiana loses herd immunity?
Maintaining adequate vaccination coverage is critical for establishing community protection, or herd immunity, which prevents the disease from spreading easily and helps to protect vulnerable individuals.
Ninety-five percent of a population needs to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity against highly infectious diseases like measles, while 90% is required for other diseases like diphtheria.
This percentage is set by the National Center for Health Statistics’ Healthy People (HP) 2030 target, which focuses on preventing infectious diseases, according to the CDC.
The amount of children vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis is below the HP2030 target of 90%, with most recent data showing 85% of children in Louisiana receiving full vaccinations, according to Johns Hopkins.
The percentage of children vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella is also below the HP2030 target of 95%, with most recent data showing 93% of children in Louisiana receiving immunizations.
A measles outbreak can indicate insufficient vaccine coverage within a population, and Louisiana reported three cases of measles in 2025. While this may seem like a low amount, even one case of measles triggers outbreak response activities as it is one of the most contagious diseases, according to Johns Hopkins.
If vaccine coverage continues to decline, outbreaks are likely to become inevitable and children will be in greater danger of severe illness and mortality, says Tulane University.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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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