Low Vaccination Rates Could Lead To Measles Outbreak In Oklahoma

Two neighboring states in Oklahoma are experiencing measles outbreaks, and state doctors are concerned that the state's low vaccination rates could lead to a measles outbreak in Oklahoma. Local doctors are sounding the alarm now that a measles outbreak is highly likely in Oklahoma.

According to an article from KFOR, no measles cases have been detected in Oklahoma. New Mexico has reported nine measle cases in Lea County, which is near Gaines County, Texas. Texas is experiencing a larger outbreak with 124 cases confirmed since late January in west Texas.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported the state's first measles death in the recent outbreak. An unvaccinated of a school-aged child in Lubbock was hospitalized last week and tested positive for measles.

Oklahoma doctors on high alert for possible measles outbreak.

Dr. George Monks, past president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association, told KFOR that he believes a measles outbreak is imminent in Oklahoma.

"We've got to be aware, this is right next door to us and we're ripe for a measles outbreak in Oklahoma because our vaccination rate is so low,” Dr. Monks said.

Compared to Texas, where the largest measles outbreak is currently, Oklahoma has a much lower child vaccination rate. In Texas, over 94 percent of children are vaccinated, whereas in Oklahoma, only 88 percent of children are vaccinated. Measles is a highly contagious disease, especially to those who are unvaccinated. It can decrease immunity and result in death for those affected.

Measles starts with a fever, cough and runny nose, like the common cold, and then a rash forms. According to Dr. Monk, people with measles are contagious the first four days before they develop a rash and four days after the rash starts. The measles virus can also hang around in the air for two hours after a cough or sneeze.

Those before 1989 should consider getting a measles booster.

Health advisors are now urging certain groups to get a measles booster amidst the current outbreaks. Those born after 1957 and were vaccinated before 1968 will want to get a booster because the vaccine then was made from an inactivated virus. But those born before 1957 need to get a booster because measles was so widespread and are assumed to have natural immunity.

Those who were born between 1968 and 1989 will want to also consider getting a measles booster. During this time, only one administration of the vaccine was given instead of two doses, which is standard today.

@cbsmornings The measles outbreak in the U.S. has grown to nearly 100 cases. Most cases are in Texas, which is experiencing the largest outbreak in the state in three decades. Dr. Celine Gounder explains who should get re-boosted. #health ♬ original sound - CBS Mornings