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Measles Update: Outreach to Support Schools

Date: 05/28/25

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has reported at least 17 total cases of measles in Oklahoma. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness, which can cause life-threatening illnesses to anyone who is not protected against the virus.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health issued a May 1 memo to school administrators, advising them to encourage immunizations for children, particularly among families who have submitted immunization exemption forms instead of the recommended immunization records.

The Oklahoma State Medical Association, the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families and Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health is also teaming up to support schools in their efforts to encourage immunizations in the wake of the national measles outbreak. The group released a toolkit developed for school use, which includes a flyer and social media posts for parent outreach. Measles spreads by direct contact with infectious droplets and in the air. This includes when a person who has measles breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. People who are infected will begin to have symptoms within a week or two of being exposed.

Early symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes

A few days later, a rash will appear. This rash causes red spots on the face first. It then spreads down to the rest of the body. A person is contagious about four days before the rash appears and four days afterwards. If you have these symptoms or a rash, stay home and isolate yourself from others.

According to the OSDH, Measles can be prevented with a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for children at 12 to 15 months of age and again at four to six years of age. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is about 93% effective.
If you aren’t sure about your family’s vaccine status, please contact your provider.

It's important to:

  • Review your and your child’s vaccination history to see if you are up to date on your measles vaccines.
  • Talk to your provider with any questions about the vaccine.
  • Isolate yourself from others, if you think you have measles or have been exposed to someone with measles.
  • Call your healthcare provider before going to be tested so they can prepare and avoid spreading the virus.

For the latest information, visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health website at  https://oklahoma.gov/health/health-education/acute-disease-service/rash-illness/measles.html.


 



Last Updated: 05/28/2025