LAKE COUNTY, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles in a northern Indiana Lake County resident, which marks the state's first case in since 2019.
The risk to the public is low, but IDOH continues to investigate the case along with local public health officials. No other information about the case will be released to protect patient privacy, IDOH said in a statement.
“Measles is easily spread and can be serious, especially for young children. About one in five unvaccinated people in the United States who get measles is hospitalized, and 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become sick,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver said. “This case is a good reminder that you are at risk if you haven’t been vaccinated.”
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It is rare in the United States due to the widespread availability of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, but visitors from other countries or U.S. citizens traveling abroad can become infected, particularly before or during travel, according to health officials.
As of Feb. 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 20 confirmed cases of measles in the United States for 2024.
"More than 93% of people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to measles, and more than 97% will be protected after receiving a second dose. Two doses of the vaccine are needed to be fully protected. Individuals are encouraged to check with their health care providers to ensure vaccinations are up to date. Individuals born before 1957 are presumed to be immune to measles," IDOH said in a statement.
Children are routinely vaccinated for measles at 12-15 months, and again at 4-6 years of age before going to kindergarten, but children as young as 6 months old can receive the measles vaccine if they are at risk. Because some children are too young to be immunized, it’s important that those around them are vaccinated to protect them.
Three vaccination clinics in Lake County are offering free MMR vaccination for people older than 1 year who would like to get vaccinated:
Date and time: 3-7 p.m. CST Wednesday, Feb. 28
Location: Gary Health Department, 1145 W. Fifth Ave., Gary
Date and time: 3-7 p.m. CST Wednesday, Feb. 28
Location: East Chicago Health Department. 100 W. Chicago Ave., East Chicago
Date and time: 3-7 p.m. CST Wednesday, Feb. 28
Location: Jean Shepard Community Center. 3031 J. F. Mahoney Drive, Hammond