Missouri health officials have announced a confirmed case of measles in Taney County, attributed to an unvaccinated visitor who recently arrived in the area. The individual’s vaccination status has not yet been verified.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), there is no indication of widespread exposure, as the person was diagnosed shortly after arrival. Known contacts have been identified and contacted, and the Taney County Health Department is investigating the case.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Symptoms can appear within 7-14 days of exposure, accompanied by tiny white spots in the mouth and a characteristic rash that spreads from the face to other parts of the body.
Measles can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the area.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that people who think they have measles or may have been exposed should isolate themselves and call their healthcare provider before arriving for testing. It is essential to inform the provider of possible exposure and follow instructions for diagnosis without exposing others to the virus.
To prevent getting sick, receiving two doses of the measles-containing vaccine, primarily administered as the MMR vaccine, is highly effective in preventing measles infections. The CDC recommends one dose of MMR at 12-15 months and another at 4-6 years for children, while unvaccinated adults can receive “catch-up” MMR vaccination.
DHSS is advising individuals with possible exposure to review their vaccination records and get vaccinated if needed. Healthcare providers can access recommendations for infection control and diagnostic testing on the Missouri DHSS website.
Source: https://www.ky3.com/2025/04/18/missouri-health-officials-announce-first-case-measles-visitor-taney-county