Measles in Oklahoma: 5 things to know

A rise in vaccine hesitancy may be causing a recent spike in measles showing up in a way it has not in decades.  

Just Tuesday night in Lubbock, Texas, a school-aged child died from measles. Reports say the child was unvaccinated.  

The CDC reported 93 measles cases in several states within the last week. While Oklahoma was not on that list, local pediatrician Catherine Mims said it could be a matter of time.  

Mims added, “Post-Covid, the rates of vaccination against measles have really dropped. Which is definitely contributing to this outbreak and likely contributing to the spread that we've now seen of it and that I'm worried about will be here in Oklahoma very soon.”

Some of the things Mims says you should know are the following: 

1. It’s not uncommon for measles cases to rise and fall every few years.   
2. Measles is very contagious and hard to control if people are not vaccinated.
3. It starts with common cold symptoms like a fever, cough, and congestion and is deceiving in this way.  
4. Kids then get a rash starting on their head and spreading within 3 to 5 days.  
5. Measles can also cause inflammation of the lungs and around the brain, resulting in Encephalitis, which can lead to an altered mental status. Symptoms are the child is sleepy, confused, and acting very abnormally, which unfortunately can lead to death.  

Mims adds that because measles is a respiratory virus that spreads through coughs and sneezing, be certain to wash your hands regularly.  

She also adds that if your child has symptoms, contact your pediatrician immediately.