An OU Health doctor’s advice to prevent measles spread in Oklahoma

Measles is making its way through Oklahoma. As of Friday, the state reported 10 cases throughout the state (eight confirmed cases and two probable cases). On paper, it doesn’t seem like a lot, but that number has the attention of health officials.

Measles is highly contagious  

This disease spreads rapidly, so those ten cases could grow exponentially. OU Health associated chief medical officer of child services, Dr. Stephenie DeLeon, said medical science proves vaccination is the best way to stop the disease from spreading. 

“Concerned, I think, is a good way to put it,” DeLeon said. “We want to get on top of it early.” 

An infected person passed through OU Health 

One infected person passed through Oklahoma Children’s Hospital last week. So far, no one else has been exposed. 

“We thought it was important to let the community know that,” DeLeon said. “I can say that we have not had any patients admitted to Children’s Hospital with active measles cases.” 

Texas is experiencing a measles outbreak 

According to the CDC, cases of measles in Texas are just shy of 500. In total, there are 642 confirmed cases of measles across 22 states, 499 of those in Texas - including more than half a dozen cases at a daycare in Lubbock. 

“I think that this is a vaccine-preventable illness and that from a public perspective, we shouldn’t be seeing a high number of these cases,” DeLeon said. 

West Texas child died from measles 

A West Texas child died from the measles last week – she was eight years old. Family and friends gathered on Sunday for her funeral – including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who has criticized the safety of vaccines. 

RELATED: Second child dies from measles-related causes in West Texas

“There’s a lot of fear when it comes to vaccines,” DeLeon said. 

Health Secretary RFK Jr. offers support for MMR vaccine 

Kennedy changed his tone when he shared these words on X, saying, “The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.” 

“I think there’s a lot of misinformation that’s out there,” DeLeon said. “I think there’s a lot of websites that can play to parental fears.” 

OU Health efforts to reassure parents about vaccines 

DeLeon said parents make decisions based on what they know. 

“I think that every parent is trying to do the best thing for their kids,” DeLeon said. 

She said trust starts with a conversation. DeLeon said discussions about facts can prevent a small number of cases from jumping off the page. 

“Information that we know is out there and scientific, and real, and proven really matters when we’re having those conversations with families,” DeLeon said. “We really do care about keeping those kids in a good spot.” 

DeLeon said even one MMR vaccine dose works well to prevent measles. She encouraged every parent to have conversations with their doctor about any concerns. 

Get the facts from OU Health experts 

OU Health put together a fact sheet for people to learn about measles.