For the first time in over two decades, an Alabama resident has contracted measles, according to the state’s Department of Public Health. The case involves a child under five who traveled outside the country and became infected with the virus.
The child did not attend daycare or school, reducing exposure to others, but all those who came into contact with them have been notified. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Karen Landers is urging parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on MMR vaccinations.
She notes that unvaccinated individuals face a 90% chance of infection if exposed to the measles virus. The disease can be severe, and in some cases, it has proven fatal.
The high vaccination rate in Alabama – 94% of children vaccinated against measles so far this year – is credited with keeping the state’s case numbers low. Dr. Landers emphasizes that the MMR vaccine is highly effective, with a reported 99% success rate after two doses.
Source: https://www.wbrc.com/2025/08/26/alabama-department-public-health-encouraging-mmr-vaccine-first-measles-case-emerges-23-years