Louisiana
Shreveport area among 5 Louisiana regions reporting highest level of flu activity
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — The CDC reports that flu cases in the U.S. are surging.
Just last week, the agency’s respiratory illness surveillance map showed very high or high flu activity in 31 states, including Louisiana.
This week, there are 38 states at those same levels. The ArkLaTex is included.
Also, hospitalizations nationwide are at their highest level since February. Deaths and emergency room visits also have risen since last week.
And flu activity in Louisiana is at the highest it’s been in the past decade, according to the state health department.
Willis-Knighton is among health systems seeing these high numbers, said Dr. Joseph Bocchini, a pediatric infectious disease physician there.
“We still have a high number of cases. The numbers actually in our systems increased from last week to this week, the most recent week we have data for.”
The Shreveport/Bossier City area is among five Louisiana health regions reporting the highest level of flu activity.
Bocchini said getting the flu shot is the best way to avoid catching it.
“Because the influenza season may go on for another few months, and so exposure may continue. Therefore, it’s always wise to get vaccine.”
He said that the flu spreads through schools and that children who are sick should be evaluated, tested and kept home from school.
“They bring it home to their parents; they bring it home to their grandparents and others. And so they really play an important role in an outbreak in the community,” Bocchini said.
QUICK FACTS
The CDC reports that:
- The percent of all emergency room visits with a COVID-19 diagnosis is highest among children under 2 years old and adults 65+
- ER visits due to diagnosed RSV are highest among children under 4 years old
- ER visits due to influenza are highest among children 5-17 years old followed by children under 4 years old
- Hospitalization rates for COVID-19 remain elevated among adults 65+ and infants and young children
- Hospitalization rates for influenza continue to increase in all age groups; and adults 65+ have the highest rate compared to other age groups
- Hospitalization rates for RSV remain elevated among children under 4 years old and among adults 65+
Shreveport area residents also are noting the rise in flu activity.
At the city’s Betty Virginia Park, one woman said she is not terribly worried about the flu but does take precautions.
“I take the flu shot every year,” Lucy Burr said. “And if people have told me I think I might get sick, I distance myself. Drink fluids, all those things.”
She believes everyone should get the flu shot. “I know a lot of people are scared of it. But to me, it’s better to take it and hopefully ward off the flu than to be very very ill with the flu.”
One mother at the park with her two sons said her kids are vaccinated but she’s still concerned about the flu.
“I’ve definitely stocked up more, making sure I wipe down surfaces, especially when we’re out and about,” Jacquinette Douglas said.
“Even in my personal car, I wipe down. If we’re going out like today to the park, or anywhere, I make sure to wipe my car down if we get in and out to make sure, you know, that germs that don’t spread to them.”
Bocchini said anybody who feels like they have an acute onset of a respiratory illness during this period of time should see their physician.
MORE RESOURCES TO EXPLORE:
• CDC’s key viral respiratory illness findings for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV from the past week
• Louisiana’s respiratory virus dashboard
• Estimated trends for COVID-19 and influenza infections and hospitalizations at the national and state levels
Copyright 2024 KSLA. All rights reserved.
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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