Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health Takes Swift Action Against Measles

As the state's leading, comprehensive academic children's hospital, Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health is home to the state's most specialized experts in pediatric infectious disease. The hospital is taking swift action to address a recent measles exposure and strongly urges vaccination to protect children across Oklahoma. Two MMR shots given to children before age 6 provide full immunization for life.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) alerted OU Health on April 1, 2025, to a potential measles exposure at Oklahoma Children's Hospital on the evening of March 23, 2025. OU Health is working closely with the OSDH on contact tracing to ensure the safety of patients, staff and the community.

Outbreak in Neighboring States

Texas and New Mexico are experiencing measles outbreaks, and Oklahoma is seeing case numbers increase over the last few weeks. As of April 1, 2025, Oklahoma has reported eight confirmed and two probable cases. Texas is grappling with a significant outbreak, reporting 422 cases since late January, with one fatality. New Mexico has reported 48 cases, with health officials indicating a link to the outbreak in Texas; all cases seem to be linked to unvaccinated status. These outbreaks underscore the vital importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease within and across state lines.

"As the state experiences a rise in measles cases, it is more important than ever to ensure our children are vaccinated," said Oklahoma Children’s Hospital pediatric infectious disease physician Donna Tyungu, M.D., Pediatric Diseases Section Chief at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. "Currently, Oklahoma's MMR vaccination rate for kindergartners is around 88%, and while that's a good start, we must aim higher to achieve the 95% coverage to halt the spread of this highly contagious virus effectively. As a mother and a physician, I know that vaccination is the single most important thing individuals can do to shield their children from the serious and potentially life-threatening complications of measles."

Pediatric hospitalist Stephanie DeLeon, M.D., Associate Chief Medical Officer for Children’s Services at OU Health and Section Chief of Pediatric Hospital Medicine at OU College of Medicine, highlighted the challenges in diagnosing measles.

"Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccination, but there has been a resurgence in recent years," said DeLeon. "This means many of today's physicians, through no fault of their own, may have never diagnosed or even seen a case of measles. Given that it's one of the most infectious diseases, a concerted effort must be made to educate community physicians and the public about recognizing the signs and the vital importance of vaccination in preventing further spread."

Symptoms, Signs, and Risks

Measles is highly contagious and can spread to others before someone knows they are sick. The virus can live in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the space.

Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include:

• Red, blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading downward
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth
• High fever (up to 104 degrees)
• Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes

Individuals are at higher risk if they have not received the MMR vaccine, have had a known measles exposure or have recently traveled to areas with outbreaks, including Texas, New Mexico or internationally.

Strategic Planning, Comprehensive Preparation, and Utilization of Academic Expertise

As the state's flagship academic health system, OU Health has been proactively preparing for the potential of measles in Oklahoma. Physician leaders within the health system have been planning for measles arrival in Oklahoma, saying "not if it arrives, but when it arrives."

The academic health system is leveraging its expertise in managing infectious diseases and drawing upon lessons from past public health challenges. OU Health began implementing protocols to identify and screen for measles, including enhanced assessments and increased opportunities for clinicians to screen potential patients safely.

This preparation involves ongoing close coordination with the OSDH and other state agencies, proactive preparation for educational outreach to partner hospitals and community physicians, and transparent communication with patients and the public.

"The safety of everyone who walks through our doors is the top priority, and these efforts, starting with robust community vaccination, are essential to ensuring the safety of our children," Tyungu said. "Unvaccinated children are at greatest risk outside of the hospital setting. This airborne virus can quickly transfer from an infected individual to a nonvaccinated individual in a common space or when someone enters a space where an infected person may have been hours earlier."

OU Health has aggressive facilities management protocols to ensure the safety of patients and their families. From using air scrubbers and hospital-grade disinfectants to following elevated cleaning processes, the goal is to ensure a clean, safe environment for the patients, families, and staff who enter OUI Health facilities each day. Appropriate signage is added to heighten awareness and provide essential instructions to support the management of measles.

The Effectiveness of Vaccination

Vaccination is the best defense against measles, offering strong protection and preventing outbreaks. The following is the recommended MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination schedule:

• Children: Two doses are recommended. The first dose is between the ages of 12 and 15 months. The second is between the ages of 4 to 6 years. The second dose can be given earlier, if it is at least 28 days after the first dose.
• Infants Traveling Internationally: Infants 6 through 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before travel. These children should still get two more doses at the recommended ages for long-lasting protection.
• Older Children, Adolescents, and Adults: Individuals who are not immune to measles, mumps, and rubella should receive one or two doses of the MMR vaccine. Contact your primary care physician or local health department to determine the appropriate doses.

OU Health is committed to the health and safety of all Oklahomans. As part of this commitment, the academic health system is working diligently with the OSDH, local and federal agencies, and partner hospitals to educate the public about reducing the risk of this highly infectious virus.

If You Have Symptoms or Been Exposed

Individuals who believe they may have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms should contact their primary care physician immediately. Vaccination is available through primary care providers and local health departments. The MMR vaccine can be given after exposure to measles as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which can help prevent or reduce the severity of infection. There is a short window of time to administer the vaccine so quick reaction is important.

For more information about measles, including symptoms, prevention, vaccination guidelines and how to get vaccinated, visit OUHealth.com/Measles. For updates on the situation in Oklahoma as well as public health resources, visit Oklahoma.gov/Health/Measles.