logo
Login Subscribe
ePaper
google_play
app_store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
news
March 18, 2025
First cases of measles in Oklahoma reported

With the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has been on high alert, monitoring the situation in Oklahoma. Last week, the OSDH reported two measles cases in the state.

The cases are being reported to the CDC as probable cases based on the facts that the individuals: • Reported exposure associated with the Texas and New Mexico outbreak • Reported experiencing symptoms consistent with measles After realizing they had been exposed to measles, the individuals took the proper precautions by immediately excluding themselves from public settings and staying home throughout their contagious period. By following public health recommendations after an exposure, these individuals prevented the risk of transmitting measles to the public.

“These cases highlight the importance of being aware of measles activity as people travel or host visitors,” Kendra Dougherty, Director of Infectious Disease Prevention and Response at OSDH said. “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.”

Measles can be prevented with an MMR vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for children at 12 to 15 months of age and again at four to six years of age. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is about 93% effective.

If an individual has known exposure to someone with measles and they are not immune through vaccination or prior infection, they are recommended to:

• Consult with a health care provider to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended • Exclude themselves from public settings for 21 days unless symptoms develop

• If symptoms develop, individuals should stay away from public areas until five days after the rash started

• Individuals seeking health care are advised to call ahead to their health care provider and let them know their symptoms and exposure concerns. This will help limit exposure within the healthcare setting.

Per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 310:515, measles is an immediately notifiable reportable disease. If a health care provider, laboratory or hospital suspects, tests, or diagnoses an individual with measles, the OSDH should be notified immediately.

The OSDH will work with the health care provider on testing recommendations.

For measles, two case types meet the criteria for a public health investigation, probable and confirmed. Both of these case types are reported to CDC using the national standard surveillance definition.

Probable measles cases: • Show symptoms consistent with the national standard surveillance definition

• AND lacks a confirmatory test result or a link to a laboratory confirmed case Confirmed measles cases:

• Show symptoms consistent with the national standard surveillance definition

• AND have a confirmatory test result or a link to a laboratory confirmed case “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.”

Muldrow honors Owens with proclamation
Main, news
Muldrow honors Owens with proclamation
September 9, 2025
Bethia Owens will retire at the end of September after 42 years as branch manager for the Muldrow Public Library. The Friends of the Library and the Muldrow Public Library are commemorating Owens’ ser...
news
Town of Roland announces pavement project
September 9, 2025
The town of Roland began their long-awaited street improvements last Thursday on Math Lane, Saskatchewan, Comanche, and Adirondack Lane (between Carson and Loop West). Town officials said work crews h...
Capital murder trial begins for Stacy Lee Drake
Main, news
Capital murder trial begins for Stacy Lee Drake
In the murders of Underwood, Sharp, Emerson
By LYNN ADAMS SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER 
September 9, 2025
The triple-murder trial of Stacy Lee Drake, the Alabama felon accused of the June 2024 murders of Tara Underwood and Taylor Sharp at LaFerry’s Propane near Gans as well as the El Reno slaying of Phill...
Main, news
VOD, PP scholarship contests open to local students
September 9, 2025
The Muldrow Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary Post 8384 is offering two scholarship contests and awards to local students, Voice of Democracy (VOD) and Patriot’s Pen (PP). This year’s theme for b...
Flock faces lewd molestation, other charge
Main, news
Flock faces lewd molestation, other charge
By AMIE CATO-REMER EDITOR 
September 9, 2025
A former Sallisaw resident who now lives in Muldrow could face up to 25 years or more in prison if found guilty of a lewd molestation charge in Sequoyah County District Court, according to a probable ...
news
Sponsored firefighter self-rescue training is Sept. 23
September 9, 2025
A few more participants are needed to join a sponsored firefighter self-rescue training class on Tuesday, September 23, at 5 p.m. at the Sequoyah County Fire Training Center. This course will be taugh...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
news
CASC partners with medical center to offer telemedicine services for students
September 9, 2025
Carl Albert State College (CASC) is proud to announce a new partnership with Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center (EOMC) to expand student wellness offerings through convenient, on-campus telemedicine serv...
news
CASA for Children Seeking 20 Volunteers
September 9, 2025
After being taken from their homes because of abuse or neglect, foster care leaves children dealing with a lot of change and uncertainty. CASA for Children and their dedicated volunteers provides a vo...
news
Next 4-H Volunteer Leadership Board meeting is Nov. 3
September 9, 2025
This year, Sequoyah County Extension & 4-H launched the Sequoyah County 4-H Volunteer Leadership Board, made up of certified volunteers and verified volunteer club leaders. At their August 21 meeting,...
news
Muldrow Public Library offering free beginning sewing classes
September 9, 2025
Muldrow Public Library is offering free beginning sewing classes which will offer the opportunity to learn about machine sewing. The instructor will be Carol Sims-Henson. Attendees will be making a ca...
What’s Your Excuse
Commentary
What’s Your Excuse
September 9, 2025
“Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” Excuses Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a g...
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

EASTERN TIMES-REGISTER
603 W. Schley
Vian, OK
74962

(918) 427-3636

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Eastern Times-Register

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy