The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is reporting a fourth confirmed pediatric measles case in an
Arkansas resident. The individual was not fully vaccinated and resides in Faulkner County. Because the
individual has no record of travel outside the state, this case indicates the first case of community spread
of measles in Arkansas this year.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause severe health complications. Symptoms include
fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and rash. Patients are infectious for both four days before and
after they develop a rash. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine can provide long-lasting
protection.

The case visited the following locations while infectious:

• Conway Regional Greenbrier Family Medicine, 110 N. Broadview, Greenbrier on April 18 from 10:30
  a.m. to 2 p.m. and April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Irby Dance Studio, 1032 Front St., Conway on April 23 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

No exposures have been identified at daycares or schools. Anyone at any of the identified locations during
those dates and times is urged to get up to date on the MMR vaccine as quickly as possible. If the MMR
vaccine is given soon after exposure, it can stop the infection from developing. If someone is unable, or
unwilling, to receive the MMR vaccine, they should discuss options with their health care provider. The
ADH and affected facilities will be contacting potentially exposed individuals. People who received the
MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 are generally considered immune.

Anyone at those locations during those days and times may have been exposed to measles and should
monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. If you were at one of these locations during the listed
dates and times and develop symptoms, contact your health care provider by phone and state that you
were potentially exposed to measles and are now experiencing symptoms. The healthcare provider will
need to immediately contact ADH at 1-866-940-7568.

Because there is evidence of community spread in Faulkner County, vaccine recommendations for anyone
living in or traveling to that county and surrounding counties (Cleburne, Conway, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski,
Van Buren and White) have been updated. All children six to 11 months of age can receive a dose of the
MMR vaccine, known as a “zero” dose. If children get a “zero” dose of MMR vaccine at six to 11 months of
age, they should still be vaccinated with two more doses of MMR vaccine according to the routine
schedule at 12 months and then at four to six years of age. Anyone over 12 months of age can complete a
series of two MMR vaccine doses, with the second dose at least 28 days after the first dose.

For more information, please visit Measles (Rubeola) – Arkansas Department of Health or call 1-866-940-7568. The ADH will be posting future updates on that page moving forward.