2 weeks Ago By Examiner Enterprise
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) confirmed two probable measles cases Friday, adding to concerns over a growing outbreak in the Southwest. Officials warn that individuals may have been exposed at the following locations in Owasso and Claremore: Unvaccinated or unsure individuals who visited these locations during the specified times should complete the OSDH’s online contact form for guidance. Those potentially exposed should avoid public spaces for 21 days if not immune.
Anyone experiencing fever, cough, or rash should self-isolate and contact a healthcare provider before seeking care. The OSDH Epidemiologist-on-Call is available at 405-426-8710 from 8 a.m.
to 8 p.m. daily.
More: Oklahoma health officials say reports of measles in Bartlesville schools an error Officials say the cases are connected to a larger measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, where infections have surged among unvaccinated individuals. Measles symptoms and risks According to the OSDH, measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. A rash usually develops a few days later, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.
Fever can spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit when the rash appears. Children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of complications, which can include pneumonia, brain swelling, and, in severe cases, death. The OSDH will work with infected individuals to determine when they can safely return to public spaces, typically after their rash has been present for more than four days.
Measles cases continue to rise in the U.S. The confirmed case in Oklahoma comes amid a national rise in measles cases .
As of March 2025, the CDC has reported 301 cases nationwide, with children under five accounting for 34% of infections. Nearly all cases—95%—have occurred in individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. Seventeen percent of measles patients requiring medical care.
One measles-related death has been confirmed in 2025 - a child who lived in Texas and another possible death is under investigation. In 2024, the U.S.
recorded 285 measles cases across 33 states and Washington, D.C., with 40% of those cases requiring hospitalization.
Health officials attributed the surge in 2025 to outbreaks in unvaccinated communities, marking a sharp increase from the 59 cases reported in 2023. Prevention and vaccination Health experts emphasize that vaccination remains the best defense against measles. The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose administered at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years old.
Health officials urge Oklahomans to immediately check their vaccination status and report any suspected measles cases. For more information, visit CDC.gov or contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health .
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: OSDH identifies measles exposure sites in Owasso and Claremore.
