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Missouri health department announces first measles case of 2025

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missouriindependent.com – Clara Bates – 2025-04-18 14:39:00

by Clara Bates, Missouri Independent
April 18, 2025

Missouri’s first confirmed measles case of the year involves a child in Taney County, the health department announced Friday afternoon.

The child’s vaccination status “has not yet been verified,” according to the press release.

The child, who is not a Missouri resident, was visiting Taney County and was diagnosed “soon after arrival,” Lisa Cox, spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, said in a press release.

Taney County is in southwest Missouri, and its largest city is Branson. 

“Exposure is believed to be limited, and known contacts have been identified and contacted,” Cox said, adding that the state is supporting Taney County’s health department to investigate possible exposure. 

The case is “associated with recent international travel,” Cox said.

Measles is a highly-contagious virus the country declared eliminated 25 years ago, but that has resurged with falling vaccination rates. 

“For those unvaccinated or those unsure of their vaccination status, now is the time to review records and get caught up if needed,” Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist with DHSS, said in the press release.

The percent of Missouri kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella has declined over the last several years, from 95% in the 2019-2020 school year to 91% in the 2023-2024 school year, in public schools, per DHHS data. In private schools, the drop has been even larger, from 92% to 85% in the same period.

Nationally, there are at least 800 reported cases of measles across 25 states, according to Center for Disease Control data as of Friday. That doesn’t include Missouri’s case, Cox said, because the state received lab test results Thursday night, after the federal reporting deadline for this week. 

That is the highest number for a single year since 2019 and is still growing.

The majority of measles infections nationally have been reported in a West Texas outbreak. There have been two confirmed deaths, both in Texas. 

Kansas has reported 37 cases, possibly linked to the Texas outbreak.

There are outbreaks in Canada and Mexico, too, and several states have reported isolated cases as the result of international travel.

At the same time, the federal government has cut grant funding set aside for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to encourage vaccinations, according to St. Louis Public Radio.

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Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com.

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News from the South - Missouri News Feed

Luke Altmyer scores 3 TDs, No. 9 Illinois shuts out Western Michigan, 38-0

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fox2now.com – STEVE STEIN, Associated Press – 2025-09-13 23:49:00

SUMMARY: No. 9 Illinois defeated Western Michigan 38-0, extending its winning streak to seven games, the longest since 2011. Quarterback Luke Altmyer threw two touchdowns and ran for another, while Kaden Feagin rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown. Illinois’ defense made critical stops, preserving the shutout despite only leading 10-0 at halftime. Coach Bret Bielema expressed frustration at the team’s slow start. Illinois remains turnover-free this season and has outscored opponents 128-22 in three games. Their next challenge is Big Ten play against No. 22 Indiana. Western Michigan starts MAC play next week against Toledo.

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Panic and chaos at a St. Louis area mall false reports of shots fired

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www.youtube.com – KSDK News – 2025-09-13 23:00:35

SUMMARY: Panic erupted at West County Center mall in the St. Louis area Saturday around 2:30 p.m. after a false report of shots fired in the food court. Police arrived quickly but found no active shooter. The confusion stemmed from a fight where a chair was thrown, causing fear among shoppers. Maya Emig, separated from her family, was comforted by strangers during the chaos. Traffic snarled as parents tried to reach their children. The incident, amid recent nationwide gun violence, heightened fears but no arrests were made. Authorities confirmed no guns were involved and no charges will be filed.

A fight near the food court where a chair was thrown at a victim caused some confusion, which then turned into panic and chaos amid rumors of an active shooter.

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UTVs, ROVs may soon be allowed on Wentzville streets

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fox2now.com – Joey Schneider – 2025-09-13 16:27:00

SUMMARY: Wentzville’s Board of Aldermen voted 4-2 to allow utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) on city streets under conditions similar to golf cart rules. Use would be limited to subdivisions with speed limits of 25 mph or less, requiring valid licenses, insurance, and safety features. However, Mayor Nick Guccione vetoed the ordinance, citing safety and enforcement concerns, supported by residents and officials. The Board may override the veto on September 24. Supporters emphasize personal responsibility, while opponents worry about public safety. Enforcement challenges exist, especially regarding underage drivers. Missouri law permits municipalities to regulate such vehicles locally.

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