Indiana measles tally rises to 6, All in Allen County

On Monday, the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) reported the first laboratory confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated minor in Allen County.

Image/David Benbennick

This was followed up today with health officials confirming five additional cases of measles in Indiana, bringing the total to six in 2025. The newly reported cases are three minors and two adults in Allen County.

All six cases are connected to each other but at this time there are no known links to outbreaks in other states. The four minors were unvaccinated and the adults’ vaccination status is unclear. All are recovering well.

State and local public health officials are working together on the investigation to contact those with known exposure to help prevent further spread of infection.

Because measles is so easily spread, a single case is considered an outbreak. When infected people sneeze or cough, droplets spray into the air. Those droplets remain infective in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours

Measles begins with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes usually about 7 to 14 days after exposure to measles but can occur up to 21 days. The fever increases and can get as high as 105 degrees. Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin. Then two to four days after symptoms begin, a rash starts on the hairline and face. It spreads down the back and torso, and then extends to the arms and hands, as well as the legs and feet. After about five days, the rash fades the same order in which it appeared.

More than 93 percent of people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to measles, and more than 97 percent will be protected after receiving a second dose. Two doses of the vaccine are needed to be fully protected. Individuals are encouraged to check with their healthcare providers to ensure vaccinations are up to date. Individuals born before 1957 are presumed to be immune to measles.