Measles Resources

Last Updated: May 1, 2025

Arkansas now has at least four confirmed cases of measles in the state. Arkansas has not had confirmed cases of measles since 2018. 

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Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage in our state is low. Most people are protected through herd immunity when over 95% of a community is vaccinated (coverage >95%). Vaccine coverage among Arkansas kindergartners is estimated to be 92.5% in the 2023-2024 school year. National statistics are similar at 92.7%.

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Recommendations for healthcare providers:

• Reinforce the importance of MMR vaccination to prevent measles. Information for the general public and providers can be found at the following:

  • MMR Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know

  • Routine MMR Vaccination: For Providers

• Think Measles! Refresh yourself and your colleagues about preparation efforts for a potential case of measles.

  • Ensure that healthcare personnel are up to date on their MMR vaccines and have appropriate evidence of immunity. ACIP Immunization of Health-Care Personnel Guidelines

  • Think Measles: Guidance for Healthcare Facilities

    • Consider establishing a pre-visit telephone triage framework. 

    • Reinforce infection prevention precautions.

    • Please notify public health officials regarding suspected or confirmed measles cases at 501-661-2381 Monday through Friday during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or 1-800-554-5738 outside those hours.

  • Guidance regarding measles specimen collection and submission can be found at the following link: Measles Specimen Collection and Submission to SPHL