Last Updated 1 week by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Amidst the growing Texas measles outbreak spreading across the U.S., the state of Indiana has identified 6 cases of measles in Allen County: four unvaccinated minors and two adults with vaccination status unknown.

As of Tuesday, over 600 total U.S. cases were reported 22 states, with the majority concentrated in 21 Texas counties.

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that New Mexico, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas had active measles outbreaks, defined as three or more cases.

On April 3, an unvaccinated minor died in Texas, the second death following an unvaccinated Texas minor in February. This case in February was the first U.S. measles death in a decade. Both minors were young elementary school-aged children, the AP has reported.

In March, in nearby New Mexico, an unvaccinated adult who tested positive for measles died. The official cause of death remained under investigation.

During the first quarter of 2025, the U.S. has seen more cases of measles than in all of 2024, with over 10% of reported cases resulting in hospitalization.

The two deaths of the minors and the possible death of an adult are causing growing concerns, as typically there is 1 death for every 1,000 cases. This could mean that this outbreak is likely larger than current reported numbers per public health experts.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus and the most effective way to prevent spreading the infection is the measles mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) vaccine. The vaccine is 97% effective with completion of the two-dose series. The first dose is recommended at age 12 months to 15 months, and the second between ages 4 and 6. Catch-up doses are available for older people.

The U.S. had eliminated the viral infection in 2000, with widespread vaccination, after 12 months of no cases. Public health officials are concerned that the current outbreak could take several months or longer to contain, especially if vaccinations continue to decline.

To prevent community spread, the vaccination rate should be at 95%. Indiana was at 84.6% in 2024, the epicenter is at 82%, and small religious private schools and homeschool groups are likely lower.

If a measles case happens in many public schools and child day cares, unvaccinated students will have to miss 21 days of school to prevent the spread.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment, only symptomatic support targeted at complications. Possible complications include:

● 1 in 5 unvaccinated people will be hospitalized.

● 1 in 20 infected children will get pneumonia.

● 1 in 1,000 infected children will get encephalitis (swelling and inflammation of the brain), which can lead to seizures, deafness and intellectual disability.

● 1 in 1,000 infected people will die.

● Measles during pregnancy can lead to premature birth and low birth weight.

Anyone concerned about possible infection, vaccine allergies or contraindications, or the need for testing can contact a health care team, a local health department or a community clinic.

People with chest pain, difficulty breathing, high fevers unresponsive to over-the-counter fever-reducers, changes in mentation, or a combination of those systems should seek emergency evaluation.