2 Oklahoma measles cases reported by state dept. of health

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has reported two measles cases in Oklahoma.

The OSDH reports that once the individuals in question realized they had been exposed to measles associated with the outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, they took precautions by excluding themselves from public settings and staying home throughout their contagious period.

The OSDH says they are not releasing any geographic details about the cases because they "don’t pose a public health risk and to protect patient privacy."

The OSDH reiterates that the MMR vaccine is about 97% effective after two doses.

If an individual has known exposure to someone with measles, and they are not immune through vaccination or prior infection, the Oklahoma State Dept. of Health recommends individuals to:

1. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended
2. Exclude themselves from public settings for 21 days unless symptoms develop
3. If symptoms develop, individuals should stay away from public areas until five days after the rash started
4. Individuals seeking health care are advised to call ahead to their health care provider and let them know their symptoms and exposure concerns

The OSDH provides support to local health departments in Oklahoma to prevent disease and protect public health. Per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 210:515, measles is an immediate reportable disease.

Two case types of measles meet the criteria for a public health investigation: probable and confirmed. Both are reported to the CDC using the national standard surveillance definitions.

Probable measles cases:

1. Show symptoms consistent with the national standard surveillance definition
2. AND lacks a confirmatory test result or a link to a laboratory-confirmed case

Confirmed measles cases:

1. Show symptoms consistent with the national standard surveillance definition
2. AND have a confirmatory test result or a link to a laboratory-confirmed case

In a news release from OSDH published on Tuesday, the following quote was included:

“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,” Dougherty said. “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.”

Statement from the Tulsa Health Department:

"If there is a public health risk identified in Tulsa County, the Tulsa Health Department will work collaboratively with the Oklahoma State Department of Health to protect the health of the community. Presently, THD is not investigating a case of measles in Tulsa County.”