After measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, the disease has made its way to Oklahoma, in addition to more than a dozen other states. The virus is airborne and highly contagious. Learn more about the measles risk in Oklahoma below.
To stay informed about the measles risk in Oklahoma and how to protect your family, visit oklahoma.gov/health.
Latest news on the measles risk in Oklahoma
On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported two probable measles cases in Oklahoma. On Friday, March 14, 2025, the OSDH reported two additional probable cases. The OSDH received notification of the second set of two cases on Friday and immediately began its investigation. All four cases are linked the measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
Through the investigation, the OSDH learned the individuals were in public settings while contagious, creating a potential risk to the public. The risk areas were in Owasso and Claremore. Learn more about the locations and the OSDH’s investigation here.
What Oklahoma families need to know about measles
Symptoms to look out for include a rash, fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, especially among those who have recently returned from an area experiencing an active measles outbreak. Those most vulnerable to the illness are unvaccinated individuals, infants and young children under 12 months or not yet fully vaccinated, immunocompromised patients and health care workers. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure of your vaccination status.
Possibly exposed individuals who are not immune through vaccination or prior infection should exclude themselves from public settings for 21 days from the date of their potential exposure. Additionally, if anyone is experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever and/or a new rash illness and has visited any of these locations during the identified timeframe, they should immediately exclude themselves from public settings.
Individuals with measles are contagious four days before their rash onset through four days after their rash began.
Measles can be prevented by the measles vaccine (usually given in combination with rubella and mumps vaccines, or MMR vaccine), and is recommended for all children at 12-15 months of age and again at 4-6 years of age. If a person has not received a second dose of the vaccine between 4 and 6 years old, it can be given at any age thereafter. The two doses of vaccine normally provide lifelong immunity, according to the OSDH.
Advice for families about the measles risk in Oklahoma from INTEGRIS Health
David Chansolme, M.D., the medical director of infection prevention at INTEGRIS Health, says families should stay informed and remain vigilant about the measles risk in Oklahoma.
