Latest news with #KendraDougherty
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
First measles cases reported in Oklahoma, but public health officials remain mum on details
A nurse gives a measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccine, which is over 90% effective at preventing measles, on April 29, 2019 in Provo, Utah. Two cases of measles have been in reported in Oklahoma as of Tuesday. (Photo by) (This photo cannot be republished unless you have a Getty subscription.) OKLAHOMA CITY — State health officials on Tuesday said they've confirmed the first two cases of measles in Oklahoma amid an ongoing outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. But Oklahoma State Health Department officials did not share where in Oklahoma those cases were diagnosed or how old the individuals are. They said they believe the exposures were associated with the outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, which is confirmed to have killed one child and sickened over 250 people. Erica Rankin, a spokesperson for the state health department, said Oklahoma's two cases present 'no further risk to public safety.' The agency only releases geographic information about measles cases when there is a 'public health risk' and all potential exposures cannot be identified. Three or more related cases is considered an outbreak, she said. It was unclear Tuesday afternoon whether the individuals were vaccinated against the measles. Health officials did say the two cases are unrelated to an erroneous report of measles in Bartlesville on March 4. The two confirmed cases have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are under investigation. '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,' said Kendra Dougherty, the Health Department's director of Infectious Disease Prevention and Response, in a statement. '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.' With outbreaks in neighboring states, the Oklahoma Health Department, or OSDH, has been on 'high alert' and monitoring for cases in the state, according to a statement from the department. 'These cases highlight the importance of being aware of measles activity as people travel or host visitors,' Dougherty 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 which is recommended for children at 12 to 15 months of age and again at 4 to 6 years old. Receiving two doses of the vaccine is about 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is about 93% effective, the Health Department reported in a statement. Almost 92% of Oklahoma kindergartners were up to date on their MMR vaccines, according to the 2023-24 Oklahoma Kindergarten Immunization Survey. The department recommended that individuals with known exposure to measles who are not immune through vaccination or prior infection consult with a health care provider and 'exclude themselves from public settings for 21 days unless symptoms develop.' To confirm a report of the measles, the case must show symptoms and have a test confirming the diagnosis. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Two probable measles cases reported in Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — On Tuesday, the Oklahoma State Department of Health said two probable measles cases have been reported in Oklahoma. According to OSDH, the cases are being reported to the CDC as probable cases based on the patients' reported exposure connected to the Texas and New Mexico outbreak and reported symptoms consistent with measles. The cases fall under the CDC's definition of probable cases since the individuals show symptoms consistent with the national standard surveillance definition, but lack a confirmed test result or link to lab confirmed case. News 4 reached out to OSDH to ask where in the state the two cases were reported, but was told by the department that they would not be releasing any geographic details since they don't pose a public health risk and want to protect patient privacy. 'These cases highlight the importance of being aware of measles activity as people travel or host visitors,' said Kendra Dougherty, Director of Infectious Disease Prevention and Response at OSDH. '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.' OSDH says Bartlesville teacher does not have measles despite diagnosis OSDH also provided the following information about measles vaccinations, and what to do in the event of measles exposure: 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. Oklahoma State Department of Health Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
OSDH reports Oklahoma's first two measles cases confirmed, no risk to public
Oklahoma officially has its first confirmed measles cases, with two cases in the state, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The cases are being reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as "probable cases" as they are associated with the Texas-New Mexico outbreak and reported experiencing symptoms consistent with measles. OSDH reported that the individuals took precautions by "immediately excluding themselves from public settings and staying home throughout their contagious period." Related: FAQs about Measles: How to protect yourself, info about the vaccine. By secluding themselves, OSDH said they prevented the risk of transmitting measles to the public. '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," said Kendra Dougherty, Director of Infectious Disease Prevention and Response at OSDH. OSDH said they wouldn't release where the two individuals are located but stated there is no public health threat with the cases. The best way to defend against measles is to get the measles vaccine. The vaccine is usually given alongside the rubella and mumps vaccine, effectively naming it the MMR vaccine. It is recommended for all children ages 12 to 15 months and again at 4-6 years old. If someone does not receive a second dose of the vaccine from ages 4-6, it may be administered at any age thereafter. The two doses of vaccine normally provide lifelong immunity. If you do not know your vaccination status, check your shot records with the OSDH and look for your MMR Vaccine records. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma's first two measles cases confirmed, state health dept. says
