Louisiana Leads Nation in Flu Activity for Fourth Week
The CDC lists Louisiana among two states with high flu virus circulation as its latest data runs through October 31.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in COVID-19
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Louisiana has recorded the highest level of influenza activity in the United States for a fourth straight week, according to CDC data. State health officials have reported six flu deaths and 208 flu-associated hospitalizations so far this season.
Why it matters
Louisiana's flu positivity rate of 14% sits five percentage points above the national rate, signaling heavier local virus circulation than in most of the country. The state's ranking comes after health officials in February 2025 ended support for mass vaccination events and stopped taking part in community health fairs and vaccination media campaigns.
The figures come from CDC surveillance and state health department counts, showing Louisiana's 14% flu positivity rate and 5.5% emergency room share for flu-like illness against national figures of about 9% and 2.8%. Data for the most recent weeks has not yet been published, so it is unclear whether the state's lead has persisted.
The players
Ralph Abraham
Ralph Abraham is a former Louisiana Surgeon General who left the state post in December to take a position at the CDC.
Evelyn Griffin
Evelyn Griffin is a Louisiana public health official cited in connection with the state's flu and vaccination response.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, overseeing federal public health agencies including the CDC.
The details
Louisiana's flu circulation started the fall season at a moderate level and rose quickly, with the state now ranked first nationally for four consecutive weeks. The CDC places South Carolina second, while Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi show minimal-to-moderate rates. Flu positivity measures the share of flu tests that return positive for the virus.
Timeline
February 2025: State ended support for mass vaccination events and health fair participation.
December 2025: Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham left his state post for the CDC.
2025: Louisiana recorded more than 8,100 flu-like illness hospitalizations, behind only Colorado and New York.
October 31, 2026: Latest CDC flu activity data cited for Louisiana's ranking.
November 12, 2026: Report published on Louisiana's fourth straight week at the top.
Health Landscape
Louisiana's current flu ranking follows a pattern of Gulf Coast states experiencing early and concentrated influenza circulation, similar to the regional spread seen during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. The state's leadership changes and reduced vaccination outreach add a policy dimension to how the season is being managed.
Residents experiencing fever, cough or body aches should contact a health provider early, since flu-like illness is driving elevated emergency room use in the state. Check with a pharmacy or provider about flu vaccination options available this season.
The takeaway
Louisiana's flu season is running well above national levels, so anyone with respiratory symptoms should seek care promptly and ask about vaccination options before the season peaks.
Further reading
For broader background on respiratory illness trends, see the COVID-19 section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Louisiana Illuminator.
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