How to be Aware and Prepared for Measles

My home state Oklahoma confirmed its first two measles cases on March 11, 2025, linked to outbreaks in neighboring Texas and New Mexico. This is added to outbreaks in at least 12 other states. Viruses don’t recognize state lines or international borders, so everyone needs to be aware and prepared for its arrival.

I live in Oklahoma, and depending on where you live you may or may not know where that is.

My state lies in the south-central part of the United States, often called the Plains. You may be familiar with Texas, a large state that shares its southern border with Mexico.

Oklahoma shares its southern border with Texas. We also border five other states-Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and New Mexico.

With measles cases reported in Texas and New Mexico, it’s not surprising it has crossed over into Oklahoma. Rather, people infected with the measles virus have crossed over.

According to the CDC,

“As of March 6, 2025, a total of 222 measles cases were reported by 12 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington.”

Why should you care? Lots of people will travel over Spring Break, which starts here next week. In two months schools close for the summer and families travel on vacations. When people travel, the viruses they carry go with them.

More states, and maybe countries, may join the list of measles outbreaks. Here is the report from Oklahoma Voice about the infections in my home state.

First measles cases reported in Oklahoma, but public health officials remain mum on details

by Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice
March 11, 2025

OKLAHOMA CITY — State health officials on Tuesday ( March 11, 2025) said they’ve confirmed the first two cases of measles in Oklahoma amid an ongoing outbreak in Texas and New Mexico.

But Oklahoma State Health Department officials did not share where in Oklahoma those cases were diagnosed or how old the individuals are.

They said they believe the exposures were associated with the outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, which is confirmed to have killed one child and sickened over 250 people.

Erica Rankin, a spokesperson for the state health department, said Oklahoma’s two cases present “no further risk to public safety.” The agency only releases geographic information about measles cases when there is a “public health risk” and all potential exposures cannot be identified. Three or more related cases is considered an outbreak, she said. 

It was unclear Tuesday afternoon whether the individuals were vaccinated against the measles.

Health officials did say the two cases are unrelated to an erroneous report of measles in Bartlesville on March 4. The two confirmed cases have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are under investigation.

With outbreaks in neighboring states, the Oklahoma Health Department, or OSDH, has been on “high alert” and monitoring for cases in the state, according to a statement from the department. 

“If a measles case is identified, the OSDH team will work with the individual on next steps and guidance to mitigate the spread and protect others. If there is a risk of spread to the public, the OSDH will notify the public and share any information necessary to protect the health of Oklahomans.”

“These cases highlight the importance of being aware of measles activity as people travel or host visitors. When people know they have exposure risk and do not have immunity to measles, they can exclude themselves from public settings for the recommended duration to eliminate the risk of transmission in their community.”

per Kendra Dougherty, the Health Department’s director of Infectious Disease Prevention and Response

Prevention

Measles can be prevented with an MMR vaccine which is recommended for children at 12 to 15 months of age and again at 4 to 6 years old. Receiving two doses of the vaccine is about 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is about 93% effective, the Health Department reported in a statement. 

Almost 92% of Oklahoma kindergartners were up to date on their MMR vaccines, according to the 2023-24 Oklahoma Kindergarten Immunization Survey. 

The department recommended that individuals with known exposure to measles who are not immune through vaccination or prior infection consult with a health care provider and “exclude themselves from public settings for 21 days unless symptoms develop.” 

To confirm a report of measles, the case must show symptoms and have a test confirming the diagnosis. 

This story is republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com.

Measles elsewhere

Here are links to stories about the ongoing outbreaks of measles in New Mexico and Texas.

https://sourcenm.com/2025/03/07/growing-nm-measles-cases-not-a-rapidly-expanding-outbreak-doh-says/
Texas Measles Outbreak Nears 100 Cases, Raising Concerns About Undetected Spread

CDC Key Points about Measles

  • Measles is very contagious and can be serious.
  • Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk.
    • Two doses of MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles.
Measles is highly contagious.

Exploring the HEART of Health

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

Cover Image

The cover image of this post was created by JetPackAI available with WordPress.

Spring into March: Key Dates You Should Know

In March we observe Daylight Saving Time on March 9, St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, and the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, March 5. Key events include Match Day for medical students and National Doctor’s Day on March 30, along with Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, honoring veterans.

February, the shortest month of the year, is followed by March, one of the longest at 31 days. There are five Sundays in March, and a long list of holidays and happenings.

Daylight Saving Time-March 9

Depending on where you live, you may need to remember to spring forward into Daylight Saving Time

Most of the United States will change to Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, March 9, 2025. To do so, set your clock one hour ahead unless your device automatically changes. If you have to awaken at a specified time, you will “lose” an hour of sleep unless you go to sleep an hour earlier.

Your body will tell the difference until your sleep cycle adjusts; I know mine always does. The Sleep Foundation offers these tips to make the change easier.

St. Patrick’s Day

Monday, March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. Learn more about the Saint at this earlier post.

For the love of God-St Patrick and St Paul

Saint Patrick, born in 4th century Britain, was kidnapped to Ireland but later escaped. He returned as a missionary on March 25, 433, converting many people and establishing churches despite initial conflict with local chieftains. Saint Paul, a significant biblical writer, spread Christianity around the eastern Mediterranean, emphasizing God’s love through his letters.

Keep reading

Ash Wednesday-March 5

Christian Lent begins the first week in March on Ash Wednesday, March 5.

Welcome Spring

We will welcome the first day of Spring, Thursday, March 20,  in the northern hemisphere, with the occurrence of the vernal equinox. In the southern half of the globe, people will enter autumn.

Health tips for spring you can use now

Most of the United States switches to Daylight Saving Time on the second Sunday in March, with some states considering year-round DST. The first day of Spring in March brings the vernal equinox, leading to increased daylight until the summer solstice. The equinox signifies roughly equal day and night in both hemispheres. Spring brings health…

Keep reading

 

Residents’ Match Day

It’s the day graduating medical students find out what residency program they will join through the National Resident Matching Program, which “matches” them with available positions in residencies all over the United States.

Why should you care? This matching process determines who will care for our medical needs in the next 30-40 years; our family physicians, internists, pediatricians, general surgeons, obstetricians, dermatologists, psychiatrists, and a multitude of other medical specialties.

Most doctors will continue in the same specialty their entire career, although some switch after a few or many years. Some pursue more than one specialty training.

The surprising new doctors caring for you

Who will be your next doctor? What will your future doctor look like?

Your doctor within the next 10-20 years is likely in medical school or a residency program in a United States medical center right now. Within 1-10 years, they will join the ranks of practicing physicians, while some currently in practice will change…

Keep reading

National Doctor’s Day

March 30 has been designated National Doctor’s Day in the United States.

The first Doctors’ Day observance was March 30, 1933, in Winder, Georgia. The idea came from a doctor’s wife, Eudora Brown Almond,  and the date was the anniversary of the first use of general anesthetic in surgery(although several other dates also claim that distinction.)

The Barrow County (Georgia) Medical Society Auxiliary proclaimed the day “Doctors’ Day,” which was celebrated by mailing cards to physicians and their wives and by placing flowers on the graves of deceased doctors.

In 1990, the U.S. Congress established a National Doctors’ Day first celebrated on March 30, 1991.

Of course, the most important physician for you to honor is your own personal physician.

 

Vietnam War Veterans Day

In my home, we observe not only Doctor’s Day, for me, but also Vietnam War Veterans Day, because my husband is one.

 Vietnam War Veterans Day commemorates the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families, part of a national effort to recognize the men and women who didn’t receive a proper welcome upon returning home more than 40 years ago.

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act, signed into law in 2017, designates March 29 of each year as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

On that day in 1973, the last combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam and the last prisoners of war held in North Vietnam arrived on American soil. It is also the date President Nixon chose for the first Vietnam Veterans Day in 1974.

Read about an actual event in the Vietnam War, written by my husband Raymond Oglesby.

Battle for Tra Bong Vietnam: Events and Aftermath Kindle Edition

Read it free with Kindle Unlimited or pay $2.99 (this is an affiliate link)

Cover Illustration

The cover picture featuring clocks and colorful flowers was created with the JetpackAI feature of WordPress. (affiliate link)

 

exploring the HEART of health in the spring

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

 

Dwell in the Word during Lent

Many people find using their phones a convenient way to read and meditate on the Bible. And it’s easy to do so with the Dwell Bible App. With Dwell you can listen to and read the Bible and special devotional offerings for Advent, Lent, and throughout the year.

Using this affiliate link helps support this blog and my mission to share the heart of health wherever needed all over the world. Please join me.