A suspected case of measles has been reported in Lee County, Alabama, marking the first reported case of the disease in the state this year. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is investigating the case and urging citizens to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
According to the ADPH, the person affected may be an unvaccinated individual who was not yet eligible for vaccination. Measles vaccine is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old.
The number of measles cases has risen significantly this year, with over 1,100 reported cases and three confirmed deaths according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC attributes the recent outbreaks to a dip in vaccination rates, exacerbated by fears surrounding vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public health officials stress that measles vaccine is safe and effective in producing lifelong immunity against the disease. Research suggests that 19 out of 20 people being vaccinated against measles can prevent outbreaks.
In Alabama, only 87.9% of 35-month-old children born in 2021 have received one or more doses of the MMR vaccine. Despite this, the ADPH believes the risk for major outbreaks remains low, but urges citizens to be vaccinated as part of an ongoing investigation.
Source: https://www.alreporter.com/2025/06/09/department-of-public-health-warns-of-suspected-measles-case-in-lee-county