As number of measles cases in Oklahoma grows, health officials release public exposure sites

OKLAHOMA CITY — As the number of measles cases in the state grew by two, health officials for the first time have publicly identified possible exposure sites in Owasso and Claremore.

The State Department of Health reported the first probable cases of measles in Oklahoma Tuesday, but said Friday evening that two additional cases had been identified. All four individuals were unvaccinated, according to a news release, but their ages were not disclosed. 

All four are linked to measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, which is confirmed to have killed at least one child and sickened almost 300 people.

The new cases were reported to the health department Friday and the agency “immediately began its investigation,” according to a press release. 

The health department said the public may have been exposed to measles at five public locations in Owasso and Claremore, including a Kohl’s, an Aldi, a Walmart Supercenter, a Sam’s Club and Sprouts Farmers Market. 

Measles can be prevented with a Measles, Mumps and Rubella 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 surveyed Oklahoma kindergartners were up to date on their MMR vaccines, according to the 2023-24 Oklahoma Kindergarten Immunization Survey. 

The agency urged people who have been exposed to measles or are experiencing symptoms to report this to the department and exclude themselves from public settings. 

The health department is “working closely” with the Tulsa Health Department to investigate and plans to share future updates and public setting exposures as they are identified.