Saw a news piece on TV last night about Healthcare and Hospitals being severely short on staff and beds. Contacted a couple of my Healthcare colleagues and they confirmed. Just an FYI for others as they think about Mardi Gras.
While I love this city and would like to see it get back on it's feet, I always look at the health issues as part of trip planning.

Totally overblown concerns. Like everything else in this post-Katrina world, it's been overstated. I had to go to the ER just last week (broke my wrist, making it hard to type!) and waited 20 minutes. Minor things take longer. It's true that we have fewer hospitals but also fewer people. And Tulane Med Ctr's ER and labs open next week, just in time for the Mardi Gras crunch.

Barring some unexpected tradegy during Mardi Gras, it shouldn't be a problem. Although I've had my own concerns with this issue, with Tulane opening its ER, that is sure to help a lot.

I'm thinking of avoiding places where birds fly as I don't want to contract the Bird Flu.

New Orleans needs our tourist dollars to help rebuild.

All locations have issues.

Yeah, GoTravel! Great attitude-wish everyone had it. We could use some visitors like you to the New Orleans/MS Gulf Coast region. Hope we'll see you in the "Big Easy" in the near future! ;-)

Thanks GoTravel! Great attitude!!!
As a New Orleanian living overseas.....I can't wait to get back this summer and help pump some money into the economy. Just sorry I have to miss Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest!