Louisiana
Louisiana health officials warn of rise in respiratory illnesses this Halloween season
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The season of flu and different respiratory sicknesses is upon us, and native well being officers mentioned Monday (Oct. 31) it’s off to a nasty begin. Medical doctors warn of a potential “tri-demic” on the best way, with instances of flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) within the combine.
“The hospitals are getting busier, the emergency departments are getting busier, and it might actually stretch the well being care system if we get a convergence of all of those viral infections all of sudden,” mentioned infectious illnesses skilled Dr. Fred Lopez of LSU Well being.
With the COVID-19 mitigation measures of the previous two years now relaxed, dad and mom and docs are seeing coughs, runny noses and sore throats coming again with a vengeance in the midst of Halloween celebrations.
“Final yr, we had been speaking about twin-demics with the flu and COVID-19,” Lopez mentioned. “This yr, we’re listening to about triple-demics with RSV, flu and COVID-19.”
Whereas COVID-19 instances stay comparatively low, native docs fear about how a lot of an influence all three respiratory sicknesses could have within the subsequent few months. The flu already is hitting the state earlier and tougher than typical.
“The Louisiana Division of Well being stories that we’re seeing about 6.7 % flu-like sickness, and our baseline is normally under 3.9,” mentioned Dr. Katherine Baumgarten, the medical director of An infection Management and Prevention at Ochsner Well being. “I imply, more often than not in the course of the yr, we’re seeing near zero.”
LDH additionally stories a present 10 % baseline within the inhabitants for RSV, affecting primarily youngsters.
“You possibly can think about that they may be extra inclined to an infection, and maybe better severity of an infection, due to the immunity not being there as it could have been up to now, when these viruses had been circulating constantly yr to yr,” Lopez mentioned.
Medical doctors are seeing these viruses predominantly in youngsters however mentioned they will rapidly leak out into the grownup inhabitants. These and different respiratory viruses are circulating Monday as trick-or-treaters make their rounds.
“It’s actually onerous to inform from the signs alone,” Baumgarten mentioned. “All of them can contain fever and physique aches and result in sore throat. Particularly, I believe, with Omicron we’ve seen much more sore throat with COVID-19 and fatigue. So, it’s actually troublesome to know, however pull out that house (COVID) take a look at.”
Medical doctors say prevention stays comparatively easy: Keep vaccinations towards each COVID-19 and the flu, wash palms incessantly, and keep house whenever you really feel sick.
“It’s right here and we’re seeing a number of it,” Lopez mentioned. “And consequently, you actually ought to get vaccinated as quickly as potential, as a result of it takes two weeks earlier than your immunity develops.”
Lopez says the nation has slipped to round 50 % vaccination charges towards each COVID-19 and the flu.
Baumgarten says the vaccines are secure to obtain all of sudden, and that the flu shot this yr is proving to be significantly efficient towards this pressure.
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Louisiana
Louisiana Tech vs. Army: Predictions, latest odds for Independence Bowl
From NFL to NCAA: The biggest sports controversies of 2024
Reporters from USA Today share what they think the biggest controversy in sports was in 2024.
Sports Seriously
The college football bowl action continues with the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl featuring the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs facing off against the Army Black Knights.
Stepping in to replace Marshall after it pulled out due to outside factors, Louisiana Tech has shown remarkable resilience. Despite a tough season, finishing 5-7 and fifth in Conference USA, the Bulldogs have not backed down. They are led by freshman quarterback Evan Bullock, who boasted a 67.4% completion rate for 1,938 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. Bullock has a strong target in wide receiver Tru Edwards, who led CUSA in receptions (77) and recorded 897 receiving yards with six touchdowns.
Louisiana Tech is set to face a challenging opponent in Army, which recently made history by winning its first AAC championship game. This marks a significant milestone in the program’s 134-year history after an impressive 11-2 season. The Black Knights are guided by senior quarterback Bryson Daily, who is a formidable presence both on the ground and through the air. Last season, Daily passed for 942 yards and nine touchdowns, while also throwing four interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for an impressive 1,532 yards, scoring a remarkable 29 touchdowns.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Independence Bowl.
Independence Bowl predictions: Louisiana Tech vs. Army
USA TODAY Sports: Army is unanimous pick
- Scooby Axson: Army
- Jordan Mendoza: Army
- Paul Myerberg: Army
- Erick Smith: Army
- Eddie Timanus: Army
- Dan Wolken: Army
ESPN: Army 23, Louisiana Tech 16
Adam Rittenberg writes: “The Independence Bowl has a new participant and a different/more local flavor, as Marshall opted out following its coaching change and portal exodus, and Louisiana Tech stepped in as the replacement, and will make the short drive from Ruston to Shreveport. The Bulldogs have half the number of wins as the Thundering Herd, but their defense can be very stingy at times, and will need to perform against Bryson Daily and the Black Knights. Although Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Cumbie said, “The band’s back together,” the Bulldogs will be without several defensive linemen who went into the transfer portal. Army is undoubtedly still smarting from the Navy loss, and top running back Kanye Udoh entered the portal. Louisiana Tech jumps ahead early behind quarterback Evan Bullock, but Army eventually takes control and grinds out a low-scoring win, its 12th on the season.”
College Football Network: Army 35, Louisiana Tech 13
James Fragoza writes: “The Black Knights’ 2024 campaign has been one for the books, highlighted by their physical dominance and a well-executed option attack. While a 49-14 rout at the hands of playoff-bound Notre Dame and a 31-13 upset loss to Navy stand out as blemishes, they’re hardly disqualifying. Navy, after all, is a nine-win squad with an efficient offense – a far cry from what Louisiana Tech brings to the table. The Black Knights, even after failing to cover as double-digit favorites in their last two outings, still present a clear mismatch for a Bulldogs team that managed just one win over an FBS opponent with a winning record this year. For Louisiana Tech, this matchup feels less like an opportunity and more like a buzzsaw, especially due to its transfer portal losses.”
Tickets to the Independence Bowl with StubHub
Independence Bowl odds, lines: Louisiana Tech vs. Army
The Army Black Knights are favorites to defeat the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of Friday, Dec. 27.
- Spread: Army (-14)
- Moneylines: Army (-800); Louisiana Tech (+500)
- Over/under: 44.5
How to watch Louisiana Tech vs. Army in the Independence Bowl
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 28
- Time: 9:15 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
- Where: Independence Stadium (Shreveport, Louisiana)
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Louisiana
Miss Louisiana 2024 heads to Miss America 2025
MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Miss Louisiana flew out from the Monroe Regional Airport to the Miss America competition in Orlando, Florida on Friday, Dec. 27.
Louisiana Tech University student and Texas native, Olivia Grace George will be competing against 50 other titleholders for the Miss America crown.
Before competing for Miss Louisiana in June 2024, she was 2023’s Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival.
George said this coming week will be busy and fun-filled with lots of events on the schedule.
“I’m excited for the competition, but I’m just excited for the overall journey ahead,” said George.
During the Miss America competition, George will be performing a jazz dance routine for her talent.
George’s community service initiative is called “Education is Key – Knowledge Empowers Youth”.
“I hope to share with students the importance of education and how our education is a key that can unlock many wonderful doors,” said George.
George said she hopes to learn from the experience of Miss America.
“I hope to bring back that love and that gratitude and appreciation, and share it with the state of Louisiana and continue to support and love the state of Louisiana to the best of my ability,” said George.
George said no matter the outcome of the competition, she is grateful for the experience.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to go to Miss America, and so now that it’s actually happening, it’s just so surreal and incredible,” said George.
The Miss America preliminary competition takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 at 7 p.m.
The finals portion of the competition will air on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Click here for more information on where to access the live stream.
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Copyright 2024 KNOE. All rights reserved.
Louisiana
Bird flu virus likely mutated within a Louisiana patient, CDC says
A genetic analysis suggests the bird flu virus mutated inside a Louisiana patient who contracted the nation’s first severe case of the illness, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week.
Scientists believe the mutations may allow the virus to better bind to receptors in the upper airways of humans — something they say is concerning but not a cause for alarm.
Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious disease researcher, likened this binding interaction to a lock and key. To enter a cell, the virus needs to have a key that turns the lock, and this finding means the virus may be changing to have a key that might work.
“Is this an indication that we may be closer to seeing a readily transmitted virus between people? No,” Osterholm said. “Right now, this is a key that sits in the lock, but it doesn’t open the door.”
The virus has been causing sporadic, mostly mild illnesses in people in the U.S., and nearly all of those infected worked on dairy or poultry farms.
The Louisiana patient was hospitalized in critical condition with severe respiratory symptoms from bird flu after coming in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. The person, who has not been identified, is older than 65 and has underlying medical problems, officials said earlier this month.
The CDC stressed there has been no known transmission of the virus from the Louisiana patient to anyone else. The agency said its findings about the mutations were “concerning,” but the risk to the general public from the outbreak “has not changed and remains low.”
Still, Osterholm said, scientists should continue to follow what’s happening with mutations carefully.
“There will be additional influenza pandemics and they could be much worse than we saw with COVID,” he said. “We know that the pandemic clock is ticking. We just don’t know what time it is.”
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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