Little Rock, Arkansas – The number of confirmed measles cases in Arkansas has risen to seven, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), as state officials work to contain the spread and alert the public to potential exposure sites.
The announcement came Wednesday and follows weeks of growing concern since the first confirmed case in Saline County was reported on April 10. The newest case has not yet been publicly linked to a specific county or location. Health officials are continuing to investigate how and where the latest infection may have occurred, urging the public to remain vigilant.
The ADH has been releasing a detailed timeline of known exposure sites in an effort to help Arkansans assess whether they may have come into contact with an infected individual. Exposure locations span across five counties: Faulkner, Pulaski, Saline, Sebastian, and Mississippi.
In Faulkner County, potential exposure sites included medical offices like Arkansas Pediatrics of Conway on April 7 and Central Arkansas Pediatrics on May 5, as well as non-medical locations such as Irby Dance Studio and Ed’s Supply in Conway. Pulaski County exposure sites were tied to the Arkansas Children’s Emergency Department over two consecutive days, April 8 and 9.
Saline County’s exposure list began earlier than the others, with visits to Baptist Health Urgent Care and Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton on April 6, followed by Benton Family Clinic on April 8. In Sebastian County, individuals may have been exposed at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith or at Best Friend Pet Clinic. Mississippi County had a particularly prolonged window of exposure at Big River Steel in Osceola, covering four consecutive days from April 25 through April 28.
Health officials urge anyone who may have visited the exposure sites during the times listed to watch for measles symptoms, which include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye), and the telltale measles rash.
“Measles is highly contagious and can be serious, especially for children and those with compromised immune systems,” the ADH stated in a public advisory. “If you think you have been exposed and begin showing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider before going in to avoid exposing others.”
The Arkansas Department of Health has ramped up contact tracing and public outreach efforts in response to the outbreak. While measles is rare in the U.S. thanks to widespread vaccination, outbreaks can still occur when immunization rates drop in certain areas or when travelers bring the virus from other countries.
The ADH has not confirmed whether the individuals who contracted the virus were vaccinated. However, health experts continue to emphasize that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective and remains the best protection against the virus.
As the situation continues to develop, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official ADH updates and to verify their vaccination status, particularly if they live in or have traveled through any of the identified exposure counties.
For more information, individuals can visit the Arkansas Department of Health website or contact their local healthcare provider.
