OKLAHOMA CITY,  March 12, 2025 –With a measles outbreak impacting more than a dozen states, the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families is encouraging families to travel with caution over the spring break holiday.  

 

As of March 12, the State Department of Health has confirmed two measles cases in Oklahoma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently tracking the nationwide outbreak, with more than 200 cases in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington.

 

“If you’re traveling for spring break, I would recommend checking public information related to outbreaks in the area you’re traveling to,” said OAHF Chairman Dr. Steven Crawford. “Anyone who is not fully immunized is at high risk for contracting measles in an area where an outbreak is already occurring. Typically, children under 12 months of age have not received a measles vaccine. However, If your child is over 6 months of age and you are living in or traveling to an outbreak zone, check with your child’s healthcare provider to see if an early dose might be warranted.” 

 

A child’s first MMR immunization is recommended at 12 to 15 months of age. A second dose is recommended between 4 and 6 years of age. The CDC reports two doses of the MMR vaccine provide an average of 97% effectiveness at preventing measles, while a single dose is about 93% effective. Despite others recommendations, supplemental Vitamin A neither prevents nor effectively treats measles in most US residents.

 

Measles is highly contagious; in a room full of unvaccinated individuals, 9 out of 10 will contract the disease. It also causes a high rate of hospitalizations, with approximately 1 out of every 5 cases requiring a hospital stay. Measles can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, hearing loss, blindness, and, in rare cases, death. The spread of the disease has been historically halted by the widespread uptake of immunizations. A community that is 95% immunized is at low risk for a measles outbreak. However, in Oklahoma, recent Health Department data reveals that 60 out of 77 Oklahoma counties are below 92% in terms of measles immunization uptake. Only five counties have an immunization rate of 95% or better. 

 

“Measles is a preventable illness, but vaccine disinformation has contributed to the sudden uptick in cases nationwide. Immunizations are safe and effective,” Crawford said. “Most adults do not need a measles booster, but check with your doctor, especially if you are unsure of your vaccination status.” 

 

“Measles complications can permanently affect the quality of life for adults and children,” said Dr. Edgar Boyd, president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association. “Immunizations have saved countless lives throughout the world by stopping the spread of disease. We are particularly concerned as families start the Spring Break season, which precedes summer travel to and from our state.”

 

Find more information about where to get immunized and Oklahoma’s measles response at https://oklahoma.gov/health/health-education/acute-disease-service/rash-illness/measles.html. 

The Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families is a nonprofit statewide coalition of public health experts and parents with the goal of improving the health of our schools, communities and families through impactful advocacy. For more information about Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families, visit www.okhealthyfamily.org.