initial Case in Saline County: Unvaccinated Individual Exposed Out-of-State

The ADH announced the first case on April 10, 2025, identifying an unvaccinated resident of Saline County as positive for the measles virus. Investigations revealed that the individual contracted the illness during travel outside of Arkansas. This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with international and interstate travel, especially for those who are not vaccinated against preventable diseases.

The individual visited several public locations while infectious,potentially exposing others. the ADH released the following list of locations and times:

• Baptist health Urgent Care on Military Road in Benton on April 6 between 3:30 to 6:09 p.m.
• Saline Memorial Hospital emergency department on April 6, between 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
• Benton Family Clinic on April 8 between 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• arkansas Children’s Emergency Department on april 8 between 11:49 a.m. to 5:59 p.m.

Anyone who visited these locations during the specified times is urged to contact their healthcare provider and consider immediate MMR vaccination.

Second Case Confirmed: Pediatric Measles in Faulkner County

Adding to the concern, a second case of measles was confirmed shortly after the first. This case involves an unvaccinated child from Faulkner County, also believed to have been exposed during out-of-state travel. The ADH has emphasized that no exposures have been identified at daycares or schools, but vigilance remains crucial.

The child visited the following locations while infectious:

• Arkansas pediatrics of Conway on April 7,2025,from 9:10 to 11:25 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:45 p.m.
• Arkansas Children’s Emergency Department on April 9, 2025, from 1:15 to 8:40 p.m.

Health officials are actively contacting potentially exposed individuals, urging them to seek vaccination and monitor for symptoms.

The Importance of MMR Vaccination: A Preventative Lifeline

The ADH and medical professionals are strongly advocating for MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccination as the primary defense against measles.
Anyone at any of the identified locations during those dates and times is urged to get up-to-date on the MMR vaccine as quickly as possible, the ADH stated in a press release.
If the MMR vaccine is given soon after exposure, it can stop the infection from developing. If someone is unable to receive the MMR vaccine, they should discuss options with their health care provider. The ADH and affected facilities will be contacting potentially exposed individuals.

The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing approximately 97% immunity.However,some adults vaccinated between 1960 and 1970 may have received an earlier,less effective version of the vaccine and should consider revaccination.

Expert Perspectives: Concerns and Preparedness

Dr. Josh Lyon with All for Kids Pediatric Clinic in Little Rock echoes the widespread concern within the medical community.
Honestly, it’s terrifying, Dr. Lyon said.
We see a lot of kids here every day, and I take a lot of really good care of my families, and they’re really vital to me. And this is something that, while we knew it was coming, is still really hard to prepare for.

Dr. Lyon emphasizes the importance of recognizing potential symptoms early, even before the characteristic rash appears. Measles symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and rash.

The highly contagious nature of measles is a significant concern. If you are unimmunized and you come into contact with it, you are 90% likely to catch it, Dr.Lyon explained.One of the reasons it’s so contagious is that it lingers in the air.It lingers on the surface for a very long time. So, it’s one that, as you walk through a room, it will linger in the air for about two hours behind you. It will linger on the surface for about two hours behind you.

Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Medical Attention

Health officials urge anyone who may have been exposed to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days after potential exposure.Early detection and isolation are crucial to preventing further spread.

Here are the symptoms to watch out for:

• fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Rash

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. It’s essential to call ahead and inform them of your potential exposure to measles to allow them to take appropriate precautions to prevent further transmission.

Pharmacy Perspective: Vaccine Effectiveness and Adult Immunity

Anne Pace with Kavanaugh Pharmacy highlights the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine while also addressing potential gaps in immunity among adults. After two doses of the MMR vaccine, immunity reaches approximately 97%. However, individuals vaccinated between 1960 and 1970 may require revaccination due to the use of a less effective inactive measles vaccine during that period.

It would be important to either get revaccinated if they know that they got this inactive virus, because it was shown to be not as effective at preventing measles, Pace explained.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Statement and Resources

Arkansas Children’s Hospital released a statement emphasizing the importance of vaccination.The Arkansas Department of Health notified Arkansas Children’s that a patient who visited Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s emergency room in Little Rock tested positive for measles, the hospital stated.
Arkansas Children’s encourages families to ensure they are up-to-date on their measles immunizations and to reach out to their primary care physician, pediatrician, pharmacy, or county health unit to schedule a measles vaccine, known as the MMR.

If you believe you may have been exposed to measles or have questions, contact the ADH at 1-866-940-7568.

Recent Developments and National Context

The Arkansas measles cases coincide with a rise in measles cases across the United States. According to the CDC, measles outbreaks are often linked to under-vaccinated communities. This recent resurgence underscores the critical need to maintain high vaccination rates to protect individuals and communities from preventable diseases.

The current situation also highlights the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Public health campaigns and community outreach programs play a crucial role in educating the public about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.

Practical Applications for Families and Individuals

Here are some practical steps families and individuals can take to protect themselves and others from measles:

1. Ensure you and your family members are up-to-date on MMR vaccinations. Check with your healthcare provider to confirm your vaccination status.
2. If you were vaccinated between 1960 and 1970, consider revaccination. discuss this with your doctor to determine if it’s necessary.
3. Practise good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
4. Stay informed about measles outbreaks in your community. Follow the ADH and CDC for updates and guidance.
5. If you suspect you have been exposed to measles,monitor yourself for symptoms and contact your healthcare provider immediately. Call ahead to inform them of your potential exposure.