Indiana Confirms First Measles Case of 2025 in Allen County Child

Written from press release

April 8, 2025 – Indianapolis

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) has confirmed the state’s first measles case of 2025 in an unvaccinated minor from Allen County, officials announced Monday evening.

The child is currently recovering, and no additional information is being released to protect the patient’s privacy. This marks Indiana’s first confirmed case since early 2024, when measles was detected in a Lake County resident.

State and local health officials are working together to investigate the case and identify any potential exposures. While officials say the overall risk to the public remains low, they warn that measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus and even a single case is considered an outbreak.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 607 cases of measles have been reported this year across 22 jurisdictions in the United States as of April 3.

“Measles can be serious, especially for young children and people with weakened immune systems,” the department said in a statement. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has coughed or sneezed.

Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles. The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, and a second dose between ages 4 and 6. One dose provides immunity to more than 93 percent of recipients, while two doses offer over 97 percent protection.

Children as young as 6 months may receive the vaccine if they are at high risk for exposure. Adults are also urged to check their vaccination status. Those born before 1957 are generally presumed to be immune.

Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and begin with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Small white spots may develop inside the mouth, followed by a rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.

IDOH advises anyone experiencing symptoms to stay home and contact a healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital. Individuals who suspect exposure should avoid contact with others, especially infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

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