First cases of measles in Oklahoma reported

With the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has been on high alert, monitoring the situation in Oklahoma. This week, the OSDH is reporting two measles cases in the state.

The cases are being reported to the CDC as probable cases based on the facts that the individuals:

• Reported exposure associated with the Texas and New Mexico outbreak

• Reported experiencing symptoms consistent with measles

After realizing they had been exposed to measles, the individuals took the proper precautions by immediately excluding themselves from public settings and staying home throughout their contagious period. By following public health recommendations after an exposure, these individuals prevented the risk of transmitting measles to the public.

“These cases highlight the importance of being aware of measles activity as people travel or host visitors,” Kendra Dougherty, Director of Infectious Disease Prevention and Response at OSDH said. “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.”

Measles can be prevented with an 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 an individual has known exposure to someone with measles and they are not immune through vaccination or prior infection, they are recommended to:

• 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.

Per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 310:515, measles is an immediately notifiable reportable disease. If a health care provider, laboratory or hospital suspects, tests, or diagnoses an individual with measles, the OSDH should be notified immediately. The OSDH will work with the health care provider on testing recommendations.

For measles, two case types meet the criteria for a public health investigation, probable and confirmed. Both of these case types are reported to CDC using the national standard surveillance definition.

Probable measles cases:

• Show symptoms consistent with the national standard surveillance definition

• AND lacks a confirmatory test result or a link to a laboratory confirmed case Confirmed measles cases:

• Show symptoms consistent with the national standard surveillance definition

• AND have a confirmatory test result or a link to a laboratory confirmed case

“If a measles case is identified, the OSDH team will work with the individual on next steps and guidance to mitigate the spread and protect others,” Dougherty said. “If there is a risk of spread to the public, the OSDH will notify the public and share any information necessary to protect the health of Oklahomans.”