The first case of measles in five years was diagnosed in Lake County.
The Indiana Department of Health, or IDOH, says the risk to the public is low, but the agency continues to investigate the case along with local public health officials. No other information about the case will be released to protect patient privacy.
This is the first case in Indiana since 2019.
“Measles is easily spread and can be serious, especially for young children. About one in five unvaccinated people in the United States who get measles is hospitalized, and 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become sick,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver said in a statement. “This case is a good reminder that you are at risk if you haven’t been vaccinated.”
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It is rare in the United States due to the widespread availability of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, but visitors from other countries or U.S. citizens traveling abroad can become infected, particularly before or during travel, according to IDOH. As of Feb. 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 20 confirmed cases of measles in the United States this year.
More than 93% of people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to measles, and more than 97% will be protected after receiving a second dose. Two doses of the vaccine are needed to be fully protected. Individuals are encouraged to check with their healthcare providers to ensure vaccinations are up to date. Individuals born before 1957 are presumed to be immune to measles, according to IDOH.
Children are routinely vaccinated for measles at 12-15 months, and again at 4-6 years of age before going to kindergarten, but children as young as 6 months old can receive the measles vaccine if they are at risk. Because some children are too young to be immunized, those around them must be vaccinated to protect them, according to IDOH.
