Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has confirmed a fourth case of measles in the state, raising concerns about the spread of this highly contagious disease. This new case marks the first instance of community spread in Arkansas for 2025, highlighting the importance of vaccination and awareness in curbing the illness’s reach.
The patient, a pediatric individual from Faulkner County, was not fully vaccinated and had no history of travel outside the state, which led health officials to classify this as a case of community spread. Measles, a disease that can cause severe health complications, remains a serious public health concern. The virus is known for its high level of contagiousness, with symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a distinctive rash.
For those unfamiliar, individuals with measles are infectious for up to four days before and after the onset of the rash. This contagious window is crucial because it can make tracking the spread of the disease more challenging, especially in crowded or public spaces. In light of this, the ADH has urged residents to stay vigilant, especially those who may have been exposed at specific locations where the infected individual visited while contagious.
According to the ADH, the patient visited two public locations while infectious: Conway Regional Greenbrier Family Medicine and Irby Dance Studio in Conway. The dates and times of exposure were as follows:
• Conway Regional Greenbrier Family Medicine: April 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Irby Dance Studio: April 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
While no exposures have been identified in daycares or schools, health officials are keen to remind anyone who was present at these locations during these times to take immediate action. The ADH is actively working with the affected facilities to contact potentially exposed individuals. Those who may have been in these locations during the specified hours are encouraged to get up to date on their MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations as soon as possible. The vaccine is highly effective and can prevent the disease, even if administered shortly after exposure.
Dr. Jennifer Davis, a public health spokesperson, emphasized the importance of timely vaccination. “If you have been exposed to measles and you haven’t yet been vaccinated, getting the MMR vaccine can stop the infection from developing,” she explained.
For individuals unable or unwilling to receive the MMR vaccine, the ADH recommends that they consult their healthcare provider to discuss alternatives. Those who are generally considered immune, such as those who were born before 1957 or those who have already received the MMR vaccine, are less likely to develop the disease.
It’s important for those who were at the identified locations to monitor for measles symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically begin with a fever and cough, followed by a runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward. If you develop symptoms after potential exposure, the ADH urges you to contact your healthcare provider immediately by phone and inform them that you may have been exposed to measles.
As the disease has now spread within the community, health recommendations for the region have been updated. For residents in Faulkner County and surrounding areas, including Cleburne, Conway, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski, Van Buren, and White counties, the ADH advises that all children aged six to 11 months receive an early “zero dose” of the MMR vaccine. This early dose should be followed by the standard doses at 12 months and again at four to six years of age. Additionally, anyone over the age of 12 months who has not yet received the vaccine should ensure they complete the full series, with the second dose administered at least 28 days after the first.
This new case of measles serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of preventable diseases. The ADH is committed to providing resources and information to the public to ensure that individuals are protected. The department continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed.
Residents seeking further information or who believe they may have been exposed can contact the ADH at 1-866-940-7568. For additional resources, including vaccination schedules and advice, the ADH’s official website offers detailed guidance on preventing the spread of measles and other contagious diseases.
By taking these steps, the City of Conway and surrounding areas can work together to prevent further cases of measles, ensuring the health and safety of all Arkansans.
