In an unusual step, The Oklahoma State Department of Health has issued its second public exposure notice- this time, for the Oklahoma Children's Hospital at OU Health.
On March 31, the department identified and began an immediate investigation of a confirmed measles case. Through the investigation thus far, they learned that the individual was in public settings while contagious, creating a potential risk to the public.
The locations flagged for exposure within the hospital included the main entrance atrium, atrium elevators to the lower level and emergency department during 610:15 p.m. on March 23. “If an individual visited the location within the date and timeframe and is unvaccinated, unsure of vaccine or immune status, or has concerns, they are encouraged to confidentially provide their name and contact information,” according to a Facebook post by the department. That post included a link to the report forms.
The hospital notice followed one issued on March 19 asking anyone that dined at a Weatherford restaurant on that day to contact the department.
The step was taken in connection with an update provided by the health department that showed 10 measles cases in the state; eight confirmed, two probable.
One additional case was identified on the Cherokee Nation reservation. But the health department worked collaboratively with the Cherokee Nation health care community and the Tulsa Health Department to complete the necessary steps when one measles case was identified in northeastern Oklahoma.
“Cherokee Nation identified one case of measles in the northeastern part of the state. After investigating the OSDH identified no public health risk associated with the identified case,” the health department said in an email.
Nationwide, measles cases are up nearly 70 percent from 285 in 2024 to 483 so far this year Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication