Rise in National Measles Cases Raise Local Concern

Rise in National Measles Cases Raise Local Concern

April 22, 2025 in News, Public Health

Cases of measles are on the rise within the United States. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has now spread to 25 states with a confirmed total of 800 cases. With these recent cases, the concern about the spread of measles is high. 

Delaware County Public Health (DCPH) urges all community members to not take this concern lightly. It’s more important than ever to ensure everyone is up-to-date on recommended measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines. 

Symptoms of measles include rash, cough, runny nose, eye irritation and fever. The impact of measles can be fatal resulting in severe, sometimes permanent, complications including pneumonia, seizures (jerking and staring), brain damage and death. Measles is spread through the air and can linger for up to two hours. Due to its high contagiousness, the disease spreads rapidly.

The good news is that measles is easy to prevent with safe and effective vaccines. A single dose has a 93% effectiveness against measles and two doses exhibit 97% effectiveness. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 

• Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles.
• Do not go to the clinic or hospital without calling first if you think you or your child could have measles or have been exposed. 
• Measles symptoms typically include a high fever (may spike to 104°F or higher); cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes; and a rash which breaks out 3-5 days after other symptoms begin. Symptoms present 7-14 days after a measles infection.
• Get vaccinated. Call your healthcare provider today to make sure you and your child(ren) are up-to-date with the MMR vaccine.

For more information or guidance, call DCPH at 563-927-7551 or contact your primary healthcare provider. For more information about measles, prevention and the latest outbreak statistics go to cdc.gov/measles.