WASHINGTON, Ind. — Public health officials in neighboring Daviess County are urging residents across southwestern Indiana to check their immunization records and watch for symptoms after confirming a laboratory-tested case of measles this week.

The Daviess County Health Department confirmed the local diagnosis Tuesday, Nov. 10, marking the county’s first reported case of the year as measles infections continue to climb across Indiana. According to the Indiana Department of Health, at least 153 confirmed measles cases have been recorded statewide across more than 20 counties as of Nov. 10, with the vast majority occurring in individuals who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.

Daviess County Health Officer Dr. Merle Holsopple emphasized that measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. According to the health department, airborne virus particles can remain infectious in a room or airspace for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area.

In response to the confirmed diagnosis, Daviess Community Hospital is coordinating closely with local and state public health authorities to manage containment protocols, trace potential exposures, and monitor community health risks. Health systems in neighboring counties—including Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes—also reported reviewing infectious disease response plans this week as cases spread beyond northeastern and eastern Indiana.

Health officials warn that measles typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Two to three days after initial symptoms appear, tiny white spots known as Koplik spots may develop inside the mouth, followed by a characteristic red, blotchy rash that generally starts on the face near the hairline before spreading downward across the neck, trunk, arms, and legs.

Because the virus is easily transmitted in waiting rooms, Holsopple and local medical providers strongly advise anyone experiencing symptoms or seeking measles testing not to walk into an emergency room, urgent care center, or doctor’s office unannounced. Instead, symptomatic individuals should call their healthcare provider ahead of time so medical staff can arrange safe, isolated entry protocols. Unvaccinated individuals who develop symptoms are instructed to isolate at home until at least four days after the rash first appears.

Public health authorities stress that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective protection against infection and helps maintain community immunity to protect infants under 12 months, pregnant women, and immunocompromised residents who cannot be vaccinated. Residents in Daviess, Martin, and surrounding counties who are unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to contact their primary care physician or local county health department to review their immunization records.

For broadcast coverage of the local health department’s warning, watch the WTWO News report on the confirmed Daviess County measles case, which summarizes the airborne transmission risks and health guidance issued for area residents.