Huntsville, Alabama, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed the state’s first measles case since 2002 involving an unvaccinated child under 5. The infection, contracted during international travel, raises concerns about vaccination rates and public health. Health officials urge parents to ensure children receive the MMR vaccine and emphasize the importance of vaccination to control outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations. Symptoms develop within 7 to 14 days, with serious complications possible. An increase in cases nationally highlights the need for preventive measures against this highly contagious disease.
Huntsville, Alabama — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has confirmed the state’s first case of measles since 2002, involving an unvaccinated child under the age of 5 residing in North Alabama. The child contracted the virus during international travel and has not attended daycare or school, minimizing the risk of spreading the infection within local educational settings.
Upon confirmation of the infection, health officials promptly notified entities involved in the patient’s care. The child reportedly has siblings who are vaccinated and currently show no symptoms of the disease. State health officials have emphasized the importance of vaccination against measles, as unvaccinated individuals face a 90% chance of becoming infected if exposed to the virus.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through inhaling or coming into contact with body fluids from an infected person, with transmission occurring via droplets expelled during sneezing or coughing. Symptoms typically develop 7 to 14 days post-infection, initially manifesting as fever, cough, runny nose, and red/watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash. Individuals can begin infecting others up to four days before displaying any symptoms, raising concerns about the potential spread of the illness.
Moreover, those with weakened immune systems may transmit the virus for extended periods, thus necessitating vigilant monitoring and immediate reporting to a healthcare provider if measles exposure is suspected, especially for infants or individuals with compromised immune systems.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral medication to treat measles, making preventive measures crucial. Recommended care comprises hydration, rest, and the use of non-aspirin fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage symptoms. It is also vital for parents to ensure that their children receive the MMR vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella). This vaccine is generally given at ages 12-15 months and again between 4-6 years. In situations involving international travel or outbreaks, the first MMR vaccine can be administered as early as six months.
The effectiveness of the MMR vaccine is notably high, with approximately 99% effectiveness after two doses. However, health officials have warned that vaccination rates among kindergarteners have dropped below the 95% threshold necessary for herd immunity, leading to increased measles cases across the U.S. In fact, the country is witnessing its worst year for measles in over three decades, with 1,375 cases reported as of August 20.
Health professionals underline that controlling measles is particularly vital for children, given the severe complications that may arise, such as ear infections, pneumonia, or even encephalitis. The CDC had declared measles eliminated in 2000. However, with falling vaccination rates, the U.S. is currently facing a resurgence of this preventable disease.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after infection and may start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red/watery eyes before a rash emerges.
How is measles transmitted?
Measles spreads through inhalation or contact with the fluids of an infected person and can be transmitted via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Is there a vaccine for measles?
Yes, the MMR vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella) is available and is typically administered to children at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years of age.
What should I do if I suspect my child has measles?
If you suspect your child has measles or has been exposed to someone with measles, it is important to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| First Case since 2002 | Confirmed infection of measles in Alabama reported. |
| Age | Unvaccinated child under the age of 5. |
| Transmission | Contracted during international travel. |
| Siblings’ Status | Siblings are vaccinated with no symptoms shown. |
| Vaccination Recommendation | Health officials urge vaccination to prevent infection. |
| Current National Trends | 1,375 measles cases reported in the U.S. as of August 20. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Alabama’s Political Landscape Heats Up Ahead of Elections
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Alabama’s First Measles Case Since 2002
- Wikipedia: Measles
- AL.com: First Case of Measles in Alabama
- Google Search: Measles in Alabama
- WAAY: First Measles Case in North Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- Rocket City Now: Urgent Measles Vaccinations in Alabama
- Google News: Measles
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
