Oklahoma City, OK - The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has announced an increase in measles cases in the state, with one additional confirmed case and one additional presumptive case, bringing the total number of reported cases to 12.

In light of the new confirmed case, the OSDH has identified a potential public exposure site at the Aldi grocery store located at 6965 NW Expressway in Oklahoma City. Individuals who were at this location between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 6th, may have been exposed to the measles virus.

Another public exposure risk has been identified at Northwest Pediatrics, located at 4140 W. Memorial Rd., Suite 413 in Oklahoma City. The potential exposure window at this location was from 10:45 AM to 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 4th. Specific areas of concern within the Mercy Plaza building include the lower-level lobby, elevators, and the 4th-floor elevator lobby and hallway.

The OSDH stated on its website that they are working with Northwest Pediatrics to identify individuals who may have been exposed and will be contacting them directly.

The measles virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.

The health department is urging individuals who were at these locations during the specified dates and times, and who are uncertain of their vaccination status or have concerns about their immunity, or who are unvaccinated, to provide their name and contact information through a form on their measles webpage. An OSDH representative will then contact them with further information and guidance.

"Individuals who were potentially exposed and who are not immune through vaccination or prior infection should self-quarantine for 21 days following the potential exposure date and avoid public places," the OSDH emphasized.

A presumptive case refers to an individual exhibiting symptoms consistent with the national standard surveillance definition for measles but lacks definitive laboratory confirmation or a direct epidemiological link to a laboratory-confirmed case. A confirmed case, on the other hand, meets the national standard surveillance definition and has either laboratory confirmation or a link to a laboratory-confirmed case.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness with no specific treatment. It spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with unwashed hands of an infected person.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that vaccine exemption rates exceeding 5% can increase the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases. According to a CDC report for the 2023-24 school year, Oklahoma's kindergarten vaccine exemption rate has risen to 5.7%. This indicates that the measles vaccination rate (two doses of MMR vaccine) among Oklahoma kindergartners is 88.3%.

The CDC states that two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles, while one dose is 93% effective. The agency also notes that breakthrough infections can occur, particularly in communities with high levels of measles virus circulation.

The OSDH has established a central webpage to provide the latest information regarding measles in the state, which has been updated since March and is refreshed every Tuesday and Friday at noon. The page will be updated immediately if any additional public exposure sites are identified.

Key Symptoms of Measles: Fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and a characteristic red, blotchy rash that typically begins on the face and spreads down the body to the trunk and extremities.

Contagiousness of Measles: Measles is extremely contagious, and individuals without immunity can easily become infected by being in the same space as an infected person, even for a short period.

Importance of Measles Prevention: The MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles.

Preventing Community Spread: Individuals who suspect they have measles symptoms should immediately contact a healthcare provider and minimize contact with others.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health urges residents to actively participate in measles prevention efforts and to strictly adhere to personal hygiene practices when visiting public places.