Two Cases of Measles Reported in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has reported two cases of measles in Oklahoma. The OSDH reported that both individuals took proper precautions by staying home and avoiding public places during their contagious period.

OSDH emphasizes that measles can be prevented through the MMR vaccine, which is about 97 percent effective after two doses. Measles symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a red blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the body. Symptoms can appear 7-14 days after exposure but may take as long as 21.

For those who have been exposed to measles and are not immune, OSDH recommends consulting a healthcare provider to discuss post-exposure options, avoiding public places for 21 days, and staying home for five days after the rash appears. Individuals should also call ahead to their healthcare provider to limit the risk of spreading the virus.