AL Health Officials Confirm First Measles Case Of 2026, Stress Importance Of Vaccine

ACROSS ALABAMA — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has confirmed the state's first reported measles case of 2026 in an Alabama resident who is currently living and working outside the state.

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Health officials said the individual was unvaccinated and is not associated with any known public exposures in Alabama.

While officials do not believe the case poses a public exposure risk within the state, they said it serves as a reminder that unvaccinated travelers can contract measles elsewhere in the United States or abroad and unknowingly bring the virus home.

ADPH says measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory illness that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

State health officials said unvaccinated people have about a 90% chance of becoming infected after exposure.

Experts point out that symptoms typically develop seven to 14 days after infection, though infected individuals can spread the virus to others several days before symptoms begin.

Common symptoms include:

• High fever, which may exceed 104 degrees
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Rash

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 2,260 confirmed measles cases nationwide as of July 16, with many infections linked to international travel.

With summer travel continuing, ADPH is encouraging residents to ensure they are protected through vaccination.

The CDC recommends children receive two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine — the first between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between ages 4 and 6 before starting school.

The CDC also said adults may need one or two doses depending on their risk factors.

Health officials recommend anyone traveling internationally be fully vaccinated before departure.

What's more the CDC says infants ages 6 to 11 months should receive one MMR dose before international travel, followed by the standard two-dose series after their first birthday.

Measles can lead to serious complications, particularly in children younger than 5, including ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain swelling and, in rare cases, death.

ADPH encourages parents to keep children up to date on recommended vaccinations and advises adults who are unsure of their vaccination history to consult their health care provider.

More information about measles is available on the Alabama Department of Public Health's website.

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