Eight measles cases reported in Arkansas in 2025

Measles hasn’t been a widespread disease in the United States in decades but that might be changing. Since 2000, the U.S. has had measles elimination status, but in the past year there have been confirmed cases in 44 states including eight in Arkansas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC reported more than 2,200 confirmed cases of the highly contagious disease in 2025. Three counties in Arkansas reported cases.

“Those cases were from June 2025 in Saline, Faulkner and Benton counties and were mostly from people traveling out of state to a hot spot and bringing home measles instead of souvenirs,” said Heather Wingo, extension immunization educator for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Six of the eight cases were reported in Faulkner County.

The U.S. could have 12 months of continuous transmission of measles as of Jan. 20, which would qualify the nation to lose its measles elimination status. The loss of status is determined by the Pan American Health Organization, an agency of the United Nations.

One culprit in the new spread of the disease could be fewer vaccinations. The measles vaccine was developed in 1963 and drastically reduced the number of people getting sick and dying from the disease.

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates in Arkansas are lower than the national average and have been in decline during recent years. MMR vaccinations among kindergarteners were 89.6%, lower than the national rate of 92.5%. Wingo said the 2024-25 school year had the lowest rate in 10 years, with the highest number of exemptions from immunization requirements.

“Examining the MMR uptake numbers over the last 10 years, Arkansas has consistently been below the national average,” Wingo said. “However, within the last three years, the disparity has been the greatest. Just within the past two weeks, there have been exposures in Memphis (Tenn.) and Branson (Mo.) — very close to home. Hopefully, we can make it a little longer without having another outbreak here in Arkansas.”

Wingo said it is critical to learn about measles because “even with early diagnosis, this virus can cause permanent brain damage and even death.”

“This virus is so contagious that if you do not have an immune defense prepared, there is a 90% chance that you will get sick just from exposure,” Wingo said. “Additionally, this virus is very dangerous because it causes your body to forget its natural defense against all illnesses and makes it easier to get sick with other infections.”

Symptoms can appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus, according to the CDC. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose red and watery eyes and a distinctive red rash.

“Some people think of measles as just a rash and a fever that clears up in a few days, but measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old,” Wingo said. “Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea, but complications can also be serious, such as pneumonia and encephalitis, or brain swelling.”

In the decade before the first measles vaccine became available in 1963, nearly all children got measles by the time they were 15 years old.

“Before the measles vaccine was available in the United States, an average of 450 people died each year from the disease,” Wingo said. “Most of them were previously healthy children. … Thanks to the success of the vaccine, we are now able to protect our children from the measles.”

Wingo noted that fear or misinformation about the safety of the measles vaccine is resulting in more unvaccinated people in communities.

“Choosing not to vaccinate your children not only leaves them susceptible to measles but also exposes other children to measles,” she said. “This includes infants who are too young to be vaccinated and people who are unable to be vaccinated due to other health conditions. … The safest way to prevent measles is to vaccinate against this virus. Not only does the vaccine prevent illness, but it can also save you money by preventing costly treatment, hospitalization and time off work.

“The MMR vaccine introduces a small or weakened version of measles, mumps and rubella viruses, as well as chickenpox in the MMRV vaccine. This allows the immune system to fight against them safely and to recognize and remember the viruses to produce antibodies to fight off future infections.”