News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Missouri health department announces first measles case of 2025
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.
The post Missouri health department announces first measles case of 2025 appeared first on missouriindependent.com
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Charlie Kirk shooting: Weapon recovered in woods near Utah college campus, FBI says
SUMMARY: Charlie Kirk, conservative influencer and Turning Point USA co-founder, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University while speaking at an event. The FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety have not apprehended the suspect but tracked their movements before and after the shooting, including footage from the event and nearby doorbell cameras. The suspect, described as college-aged and blending with the crowd, allegedly shot Kirk from a distant rooftop using a high-powered bolt-action rifle, later abandoned in a wooded area. Authorities recovered physical evidence and urged the public to submit video footage. Two detained individuals were released, and the investigation continues.
The post Charlie Kirk shooting: Weapon recovered in woods near Utah college campus, FBI says appeared first on www.ozarksfirst.com
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Boeing, union reach tentative agreement to end strike, still needs approval from members
SUMMARY: Boeing and the Machinists Union have reached a tentative five-year agreement to end a strike lasting over five weeks. The deal includes an average 45% wage increase, ratification bonuses, more vacation and sick time, and no medical changes. Though Boeing had planned to hire replacement workers, those plans are on hold pending the union vote. Workers remain cautious, wanting time to review the offer with families. Boeing leadership believes the contract will bring stability by moving many employees to the top pay scale. The union’s 837 members will vote on the proposal Friday in St. Louis.
The IAM Union’s negotiating committee reached a tentative labor agreement to end a month-long strike with Boeing, the union …
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Local, statewide officials react to Charlie Kirk death after shooting in Utah
SUMMARY: Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder, died after being shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. Missouri and Kansas officials across political lines expressed condolences and called for prayers, condemning political violence. Missouri leaders like Rep. Mark Alford, Rep. Ann Wagner, Sen. Josh Hawley, and Attorney General Catherine Hanaway voiced sorrow and emphasized violence’s unacceptable nature. Kansas leaders including Gov. Laura Kelly, Senate President Ty Masterson, and Sen. Roger Marshall also shared condolences. Kansas GOP labeled the incident an assassination attempt, while Missouri GOP blamed a “violent leftist.” Kansas City politicians condemned the attack, stressing political violence has no place in the U.S.
The post Local, statewide officials react to Charlie Kirk death after shooting in Utah appeared first on fox4kc.com
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