On May 4th, 2025, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced a possible measles exposure in St. Louis. An out-of-state resident visited the St. Louis Aquarium between 1-6PM. on April 30th. The individual also ate at a restaurant in St. Louis on the same day, but details on this visit is limited.
Individuals who may have had exposures at the St. Louis Aquarium during the time the person visited and who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised should consider post-exposure prophylaxis, according to the established public health recommendation to prevent measles infection and its complications. The usual time interval for prophylaxis to be effective is within six days of exposure (by May 6th). Those with questions or the need for evaluation should contract their health care provider or give Dent County Health Center a call.
All individuals with possible exposures should watch for the symptoms of measles for 21 days from the date of exposure and report to Dent County Health Center if symptoms appear. If you believe you or your loved one may have measles self-isolate and call your preferred healthcare provided before arriving to be tested.
Measles in the U.S. (as of May 1, 2025)
23% of those children were hospitalized
935 confirmed cases nationwide
12 outbreaks (defined as 3 or more connected cases)
93% of cases are associated with outbreaks
13% of total cases required hospitalization
285 cases occurred in babies under 5 years old
23% of those babies were hospitalized.
Signs and Symptoms
Measles symptoms usually come in two stages:
- First stage (1–2 weeks after exposure):
Runny nose, cough, fever, and red eyes that are sensitive to light. - Second stage (3–7 days later):
High fever (103–105°F), red blotchy rash (starting on the face at the hairline and spreading), and tiny white spots inside the mouth.
The rash usually lasts 4–7 days.
Dent County is high risk for outbreaks
When a 95% of a community receives the measles vaccine (MMR), herd immunity is established, protecting those who can’t get it like babies, people with serious health issues, or week immune systems. In Dent County only 87.94% of kindergartners were vaccinated.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. It has been used in the U.S since the 1970s. Children can get their 1st does at 12-15 months and their second dose at 4-6 years. One dose gives 93% protection; two doses give 97% protection for life. Side effects are mild, like a fever, sore arm, or rash.
How does the vaccine work?
The MMR vaccine contains a weakened form of the virus, it is strong enough to stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight off future infections but too weak to cause illness in healthy individuals.
When a person receives the MMR vaccine, their immune system:
- Recognizes the weakened virus as a foreign invader.
- Produces antibodies to fight the virus.
- Develops immune memory, which allows the body to respond quickly if exposed to measles in the future.
Does the MMR Vaccine Cause Autism?
No.
This claim originated from a 1998 study that has since been retracted and thoroughly discredited by extensive research involving millions of children.
The original study included only 12 children, and the research team was found guilty of misconduct. They selectively used data to support their hypothesis and altered or falsified medical information. The study also subjected the children to unnecessary and invasive procedures, such as colonoscopies and lumbar punctures, without proper ethical approval, disregarding their wellbeing. It was later revealed that the study had been financially motivated. The lead investigator received a $55,000 payment from a law firm that intended to sue a vaccine manufacturer.
Even before the study was officially retracted, researchers began conducting larger studies to investigate any potential link between the MMR vaccine and autism. In 2002, a study in Denmark followed 500,000 children over seven years and found no association. A 2007 study involving 1,046 children also found no link, as did a 2008 study of 38 children.
How to Get the Vaccine
The MMR vaccine is covered by most insurance plans.
Dent County Health Center provides vaccinations and no appointment is required.
Ready to get vaccinated?
Visit us at 1010 E. Scenic River Blvd to receive your MMR vaccine walk-ins are always welcomed.
If you have questions about the vaccine or how to determine if you are fully vaccinated, please feel free to give us a call at 573-729-3106.
