Measles Cases Climbing in Arkansas and Nationwide
- Super V Drugs
- May 8
- 3 min read
By Mollie Wolfe, PharmD - Super V Drugs
Jonesboro, AR - According to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), there are now 4 confirmed measles cases in the state (April 29th, 2025) and over 900 in the United States (May 1, 2025). The first case since 2018 was reported in the state on April 10th, 2025. Super V Drugs wants you to know what you can do to help stop the spread of measles to keep you and your loved ones healthy.
What is measles?
A viral infection once declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, measles affects children and adults with symptoms such as rash, fever, dry cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes lasting 10-14 days. Like many viral and bacterial infections, mild symptoms can easily turn into severe complications including pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), dehydration, croup, and death. Children under 5 years old, women who are pregnant, and adults with weakened immune systems have the highest risk of severe complications.
How is measles spread?
Measles is extremely contagious and spreads through airborne droplets that are passed through talking, sneezing, or coughing and can be found on surfaces for up to 2 hours. The virus is contagious up to 4 days before and 4 days after its signature rash appears. Anyone who is unvaccinated against measles that comes in contact with the virus has a 90% chance of becoming infected and likely spreading it. International travel, working in healthcare, and attending post-high school educational institutes are considered high-risk conditions and those who fall into any of those categories should confirm their vaccination status.
How can you treat and prevent measles?
There is not a specific treatment available for measles. Infected patients may be treated for their individual symptoms and any consequential complications.
The most safe and effective way of preventing infection and spreading of measles is vaccination. Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) are combined into a single vaccine that is given at two doses, typically as a child: 12-15 months old and 4-6 years old. Adults born after 1989 that have not had 2 doses of MMR vaccine should complete their series as soon as possible. Completing 2 doses of MMR vaccine yields over 95% effectiveness against measles.
If you have any questions about your vaccination status, contact your provider’s office or the state health department for records. Our pharmacists at Super V Drugs can help you decide if you should receive 1 or 2 doses of MMR vaccine today.
How you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe:
Get vaccinated. Severe allergic reaction to ingredients in the MMR vaccine, active fever, impaired immune system due to medical treatments/disease, active untreated tuberculosis and current or planned pregnancy are the only conditions listed for the MMR vaccine to not be recommended. Super V Drugs offers the MMR vaccine at your convenience - just give us a call!
Stay informed. The Arkansas Department of Health issues press releases including important information about infection outbreaks, health initiatives and resources available to Arkansans. The pharmacists at Super V Drugs can help you find information quickly by calling or visiting the store. We frequently post information and resources on our social media - follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Spread love, not germs. Stay home if you are feeling sick, especially if you have been exposed directly to the measles virus recently. If you think you or your child have measles, call your healthcare provider right away.
Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact our pharmacists at Super V Drugs! Our pharmacists can search vaccination status via Arkansas state website, research specific questions, and administer vaccines.
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