Two Measles Cases Reported In Oklahoma

On Tuesday, March 11, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported that there have been two measles cases recorded in Oklahoma. The cases come amid an ongoing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health confirmed that the two cases in Oklahoma are linked to the outbreak in west Texas and New Mexico. Those infected have been expressing symptoms synonymous with measles.

When speaking with KOCO 5, the Oklahoma State Department of Health would not reveal where the two cases are located in Oklahoma because "there is no public health risk." In a press release, the Oklahoma State Department of Health indicated that the two people took precautionary measures when they realized they had been exposed to measles.

Kendra, Director of Infectious Disease Prevention and Response at the Oklahoma State Department of Health, said Oklahomans should use these two cases as an example amidst the ongoing measles outbreaks in neighboring states.

"These cases highlight the importance of being aware of measles activity as people travel or host visitors," Dougherty said in a press release. "When people know they have exposure risk and do not have immunity to measles, they can exclude themselves from public settings for the recommended duration to eliminate the risk of transmission in their community."

Oklahomans urged to take precautions to prevent measles and public outbreak.

In the press release, the Oklahoma State Department of Health indicated that measles cam be prevented with an MMR vaccine. Children are recommended to get the vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and again at four to six years of age. Two doses of the vaccine are 97 percent effective at preventing measles, and one does is about 93 percent effective.

If those who are unvaccinated or immune due to prior infection and have been exposed to measles, they are encouraged to do the following:

• Consult with a health care provider to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended
• Exclude themselves from public settings for 21 days unless symptoms develop
• If symptoms develop, individuals should stay away from public areas until five days after the rash started
• Individuals seeking health care are advised to call ahead to their health care provider and let them know their symptoms and exposure concerns. This will help limit exposure within the healthcare setting.

Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a red blotchy rash starting on the face, then spreading to the rest of the body. If not immune and exposed to measles, symptoms will begin seven to 14 days after exposure, but it can sometimes be as long as 21 days.

Oklahoma health officials concerned about low vaccination rates in Oklahoma.

Last month, Oklahoma health officials feared the state was next for a measles outbreak, like Texas and New Mexico, due to Oklahoma's low vaccination rates. Oklahoma has child vaccination rate of 88 percent, whereas Texas has a child vaccination rate of 94 percent.

Dr. George Monks, past president of the Oklahoma Medical Association, told KFOR last month that a measles outbreak in Oklahoma is imminent due to the low vaccination rates.

"We've got to be aware, this is right next door to us and we're ripe for a measles outbreak in Oklahoma because our vaccination rate is so low,” Dr. Monks said.

Oklahomans born before 1989 encouraged to get measles booster.

Children in Oklahoma are not the only ones encouraged to get vaccinated against measles. Those who were born for 1989 are urged to get a measles vaccine booster. Those born before 1957 do not need to get a booster, as measles was widespread during this time period and may already possess natural immunity.

But those born between 1957 and before 1968 will want to get a booster since during that time the vaccine was made from an inactivated virus. And those born between 1968 and 1989 will want to consider getting a booster vaccine since during this time only one round of the vaccine was administered.

@cbsmornings The measles outbreak in the U.S. has grown to nearly 100 cases. Most cases are in Texas, which is experiencing the largest outbreak in the state in three decades. Dr. Celine Gounder explains who should get re-boosted. #health ♬ original sound - CBS Mornings