The Indiana Department of Health confirmed Friday the first measles case in the state since 2019. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus.

The department said the risk to the public is low, but also said a single case is considered an outbreak because of how easily it spreads. When someone who has measles sneezes or coughs, droplets in the air or on surfaces can infect other people for up to two hours.

The IDOH said the disease is rare because of the availability of the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine. Vaccination rates peaked in 2020, but have steadily declined since.

The state estimates how many children complete their childhood vaccines, including against measles. The estimated coverage of MMR vaccines dropped from about 89 percent in 2020 to 78.4 percent in 2023.

The IDOH said people experiencing symptoms should stay home and call their provider before going to the doctor’s office. Measles can cause cold-like symptoms, red eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth, and rash.

The case was confirmed in Lake County. There will be three vaccine clinics in Lake County offering the MMR vaccination for people older than 1 years old.

• Gary Health Department
  Wednesday, Feb. 28, 3-7 p.m. CST
  1145 W. Fifth Ave., Gary
• East Chicago Health Department
  Wednesday, Feb. 28, 3-7 p.m. CST
  100 W. Chicago Ave., East Chicago
• Jean Shepard Community Center
  Wednesday, Feb. 28, 3-7 p.m. CST
  3031 J. F. Mahoney Drive, Hammond

Abigail is our health reporter. Contact them at aruhman@wboi.org.