Measles in Arkansas

The Arkansas Department of Health notified Arkansas Children’s that a patient who visited Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s emergency room in Little Rock tested positive for measles. 

Any team member, patient, caregiver or visitor who is at exposure risk is being notified directly.  

Our experts have developed educational resources about measles and prevention, also available on our social media channels.  

Arkansas Children's encourages families to ensure they are up-to-date on their measles immunizations and to reach out to their primary care physician, pediatrician, pharmacy or county health unit to schedule a measles vaccine, known as the MMR. 

 If you are concerned or have questions about a community exposure, call the Arkansas Department of Health at 1-866-940-7568 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.).

Symptoms

Measles starts with fever, then cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. These symptoms are followed by a rash, which typically appears 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms. Symptoms most often appear 7-14 days after exposure to someone with the virus.    

If your child begins to have any measles-related symptoms and has been in an area where measles cases are present, please call the Arkansas Department of Health at 1-866-940-7568 or contact your pediatrician. It’s important to call before going to a clinic, urgent care or emergency room to help prevent the spread of measles to others.

Resources