Measles exposure site identified in Sallisaw, case count reaches 15
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Oklahoma State Department of Health has identified a new measles exposure site in Sallisaw as well as two new confirmed cases on Friday.
OSDH says shoppers at the Walmart Supercenter in W Ruth Avenue in Sallisaw may have been exposed to measles on April 18 between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Oklahoma measles case count now at 13 after new confirmed case reported
The health department is encouraging anyone who is unvaccinated or unsure about their vaccine or immune status to provide their name and contact information using this form. A department staff member will reach out between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week, with further details.
Two new confirmed measles cases have also been identified by OSDH, bringing the total case count up to 15 as of Friday, April 25 — 12 confirmed and three probable.
The US has nearly 900 measles cases, and 10 states have active outbreaks. Here's what to know
For the first time since the outbreak in early March, a vaccinated person in Oklahoma has contracted the measles, according to the latest data from OSDH. One of the measles patients has reportedly received two or more doses of the MMR vaccine, while the other 14 are listed as unvaccinated.
OSDH is expected to provide their next round of updated case numbers this upcoming Tuesday.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Oakland County issues alert for measles exposure site in Rochester Hills
FOX 2 - The Oakland County Health Division is notifying the public about a Rochester Hills measles exposure site involving a person from another county. The exposure site is a medical office building at 3950 S. Rochester Road at the corner of South Boulevard on Tuesday, June 3, according to a release from the Oakland County Health Division. Anyone there between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. may have been exposed to measles. If you think you were exposed to measles at this location on June 3, Immune Globulin (IG) treatment is effective within six days of exposure for high-risk individuals. Those considered high-risk include women who are pregnant, unvaccinated children under age 5 and those who have a weakened immune system due to illness and disease including diabetes or HIV, malnutrition and/or medications. If you are not eligible for IG, monitor symptoms through June 24. If symptoms develop, call ahead to your health care provider. Individuals born in or before 1957 are considered immune. Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air. The Health Division recommends unvaccinated individuals ages 1 year and older receive a measles vaccination to protect themselves and those around them. Anyone who doesn't have a record of two MMR vaccines, unsure if they've have been vaccinated, or unsure if you've had measles in the past, needs to contact their health care provider. Measles can live for up to two hours in the air where an infected person coughed or sneezed. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure, and may include: High fever (may spike to over 104°F Cough Runny nose Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of mouth (Koplik Spots) 2-3 days after symptoms begin. A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin. The MMR vaccine is available through some health care providers, Oakland County Health Division offices in Southfield and Pontiac, and many pharmacies. Health Division offices are located at the following addresses: North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield. Health Division clinics hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visit for more information on measles, or contact Nurse on Call, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 800-848-5533 or noc@
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Myths VS Facts: What health officials want you to know about the MMR vaccine
SALT LAKE CITY () — With measles cases increasing in the U.S., including two recent brushes with the disease in Utah, health officials want to remind the public that the safest protection against it is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Earlier this week, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services announced they are monitoring a potential measles exposure in southwestern Utah after an unvaccinated individual from out of state visited the area while infectious with the disease. Health officials monitoring potential measles exposure in southwestern Utah Additionally, health officials said a through the Salt Lake City International Airport in May. This incident was determined to be low risk, as the passenger was vaccinated. Although there are no recorded cases in Utah yet, with some in neighboring states, health officials want residents to know that there could be some soon and to be prepared. 'It is the time to go and check what your vaccine status is, what your kid's vaccine status is, and make sure everybody has the right vaccine, so you don't have to worry about this. There's a great way to prevent it, you can take it, it's a good safe, effective way to not have measles get into your family,' said Dr. Leisha Nolen, the state epidemiologist. Health officials report that measles is one of the most contagious diseases. Measles signs and symptoms generally appear about 10-14 days after exposure, with common symptoms including high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and white spots in the mouth known as Koplik's spots. In addition, a rash with small red spots may appear after 3-5 days. The CDC reports that measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, which is described as an absence of the continuous spread of disease for more than 12 months. But, there have been more cases in recent years. Currently the CDC says there are 1,168 confirmed measles cases in the United States. There have been three confirmed deaths from measles in the U.S. in 2025. Passenger with measles travels through SLC airport, determined low risk for spread met with Dr. Andrew Pavia, professor of pediatric infectious diseases and chief of hospital epidemiology at Primary Children's Hospital, to learn more about the vaccine and its effectiveness, as well as break down some myths. 'We've seen an unprecedented amount of measles in the country this year, so we've just been waiting for it to arrive in Utah, ' he said. '…We've been preparing for it. Now, with this exposure in Saint George, it's likely that there will be more cases. Many people have never seen measles, even their parents may not have seen it. It's a pretty bad disease — and when we say childhood illness, we think of something like chickenpox, where kids are uncomfortable for two or three days, and that's it. Measles is miserable in its average form, but can be dangerous, or even deadly. That's why we really care about it, and that's why we really, really want everyone to help protect their children.' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the MMR vaccine is safe and effective, and that it protects you from measles, mumps, rubella, and other serious diseases. According to the CDC, almost everyone who has not had the MMR vaccine will get sick if they are exposed to those viruses. The says that numerous studies have been conducted over the year, confirming its safety and efficacy. Minimal risks, such as swelling in cheeks or neck and allergic reactions can occur, the AAP said, but the protecton it provides far outweighs the risks and more serious outcomes that can come from measles itself. Dr. Pavia said that the vaccine has low rates of potential side effects and protects you against measles for life. 'This vaccine has been extremely carefully studied. It has been studied in placebo-controlled trials, and every time it's been tweaked or improved slightly, the new version has been compared to the old one,' Dr. Pavia said. 'It's very, very safe by the standards of any medicine you want to look at. That's not to say there aren't some side effects. Kids, not uncommonly, can get a fever after the MMR vaccine. They can also get a rash 1 to 2 weeks out, or some joint aches. It's a little bit more common in adults who get it, but serious complications of this vaccine are extraordinarily rare and rarer than with most other vaccines.' One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, while two doses are 97% effective, according to the CDC. The CDC says that although some vaccinated people may still get measles, mumps, or rubella if exposed to the viruses, their symptoms will generally be milder, and they will be less likely to spread the disease. The CDC said that the MMR vaccine has been thoroughly studied in the United States and other countries and no link between autism and the MMR vaccine has been found. Although the vaccine, like medicine, can have side effects, these are typically mild and go away on their own. 'There are no long-term consequences of the MMR vaccine and it's been incredibly well-studied because of the concerns people have raised,' Dr Pavia. said. 'There are over 20 studies looking at whether or not there's any connection to autism. That's a common thing that's brought up, and these studies done in many different countries have showed absolutely no link. With a serious disease and a very good vaccine, if you're going to pick one vaccine to get this summer, it should be the one.' Some may believe getting measles and developing natural immunity is safer than getting the vaccine, however, say otherwise, as natural infection comes with more risks. Dr. Pavia explained getting the disease from natural infection is more dangerous with serious cases leading to the hospital, death, or brain damage. 'If none of those things happen, you're going to be miserable, or your child's going to be miserable for four to eight days,' Dr. Pavia said. '… If I had a good vaccine to offer for rattlesnake bites, would you say it's better to get bitten by a rattlesnake and develop some immunity to the venom or to get a vaccine?' Both recent brushes with measles in Utah were related to travel, which we will be seeing more of this summer. Dr. Pavia said now is a good time to think about getting your kids vaccinated and protected. 'Utahns are going to be traveling with their kids this summer, going to places where there's even more measles. Of course, Utah's an important destination for people during the summer, so we can expect more importations, more people showing up in Utah with measles. It's really important that we and our kids have the best protection possible,' he said. Dr. Pavia also emphasized the importance of seeking out reputable resources to learn more and educate yourself on MMR vaccine information, such as speaking to your own family practitioner. 'I think it's really important for people to educate themselves. We say that a lot, but then you go to social media or talk to friends, and there's just so much misinformation out there. Educate yourself, but look for reliable sources. Go to the Utah State Department of Health. Look at the University of Utah or Intermountain websites. Go to Medscape. There are lots of good sources of information where you can learn more, but just be careful in what you consume,' he said. '…I hope you and your kids have a great summer, but please be safe and be healthy out there.' Musk floats 'The American Party' after Trump tiff Myths VS Facts: What health officials want you to know about the MMR vaccine Good4Utah Road Tour: Willard Bay State Park Lori Vallow Daybell back in court, charged with conspiracy to murder ex nephew-in-law Man charged with assault for allegedly attacking and strangling neighbor Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
OSU researching Asian Longhorned Tick that can be deadly for cattle
STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) — A heads up for cattle producers, there's a deadly tick in the United States, and researchers at Oklahoma State University are concerned. Last year, a case was found in the Eastern part of the state. 'These ticks can be so high on a single cow that they can actually result in so much blood loss that the animal can die from that,' said Dr. Jonathan Cammack, Assistant Professor at OSU and State Extension Specialist for Livestock, Entomology, and Parasitology. Dr. Jonathan Cammack said the Asian Longhorned Tick, also known ALT is native to East Asia. It was first seen in the U.S. a decade ago, and in Oklahoma last year when it was discovered on cattle in Craig County. LOCAL NEWS: Neighbors blame school construction for ongoing drainage crisis 'It's not going to have that bright white spot on it like a lone star. And they're also going to be very small, about half the size of the normal tick that we're usually expecting to see at this time of year,' said Dr. Cammack. They're also concerned with how fast the ticks can reproduce. 'They can reproduce asexually so they don't have that added challenge of locating a mate in the environment,' said Dr. Cammack. Which means a female can lay up to 2,500 eggs on one animal and that can consume enough blood to be deadly. Now, they're hoping research can help with ideas to slow or stop the spread. 'There's a project going on at the vet school where they're collecting ticks that are suspected to be Asian Longhorned Ticks, and then they're testing them for the presence of this pathogen,' said Dr. Cammack. The pathogen they're testing for is the Theileria orientalis Ikeda genotype. This year, the team is looking for new cases of the tick, and they hope ranchers will help them with surveillance. LOCAL NEWS: 'He just stabbed me': New video shows Edmond officer stabbed during traffic stop 'It's just kind of, you know, being in tune with your animals, checking on them regularly, you know, not like you're saying every day, but you know, not also once a year either,' said Dr. Cammack. While they haven't seen any new cases in our state so far this year, the tick and pathogen are present in Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas. If you see it on your cattle, call your local veterinarian or a local OSU Extension office so they can collect the ticks and get them tested. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
