Subsequently, the state of Louisiana saw a significant impact from the pandemic, with New Orleans in particular seeing a high rate of cases. Louisiana State University (LSU) associate professor Susanne Straif-Bourgeoi suggested that the rapid spread may have been aided by Mardi Gras festivities. Researchers of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette estimated that Louisiana had the fastest growth rate of cases (67.8%, overtaking overtaking New York's 66.1% growth) in the 14 days since its first reported case than any region in the world.