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.
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News from the South - Missouri News Feed
FOX 2 superfan gets a graduation surprise from Mandy Murphey
SUMMARY: Amid tornado devastation, FOX 2’s Mandy Murphey surprised Brandon Harrell, a devoted FOX 2 fan, at his graduation from the Bridges Program in Belleville. Four years ago, Mandy attended Brandon’s high school graduation, and now his teachers requested another surprise for his post-high school achievement. The Bridges Program supports special needs adults, teaching life skills like job training and personal hygiene. Brandon, beloved by staff and peers, recently made dog treats as part of the curriculum. This heartfelt moment uplifted everyone, showcasing the importance of programs for special needs adults in underserved areas. Congratulations to Brandon on his inspiring milestone!

Brandon Harrill’s teachers asked FOX 2’s Mandy Murphey months ago if she would come to his ceremony and surprise him. Brandon received occupational training as part of the Bridges program.
St. Louis News: FOX 2 covers news, weather, and sports in Missouri and Illinois. Read more about this story or see the latest updates on our website https://FOX2Now.com
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News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Joe’s Blog: Not the worst or best holiday weekend (THU-5/22)
SUMMARY: The weather will remain cooler than usual this weekend, with highs around 70°F today and temperatures dipping into the mid-40s tonight. Rain chances are uncertain, but some dry spells are expected, particularly on Saturday, with showers and possibly a storm later in the day. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with rain, though some drying may occur in the afternoon. Confidence in the rain timing is low due to inconsistent model data. Rain amounts will be modest, but some areas may receive over an inch. The weekend will be challenging for outdoor events, particularly with cool temperatures and sporadic rainfall.
The post Joe's Blog: Not the worst or best holiday weekend (THU-5/22) appeared first on fox4kc.com
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Storm cleanup efforts continue in Clayton
SUMMARY: Storm cleanup continues in Clayton, where crews are ahead of schedule. Despite progress, damage remains evident, with trees leaning on vehicles, smashed windows, and debris piled in yards and on sidewalks throughout Saint Louis. Cleanup crews, including Clayton staff and volunteers from 20 neighboring municipalities, will start intensive debris removal at 8 a.m. focusing on priority areas like Westwood, Glid Ridge, and streets south of Byron. They will collect tree debris, yard waste, and vegetation from public spaces but not private yards or construction materials. Residents must keep streets clear by 7 a.m. to avoid towing, allowing about 48 hours for completion.

Crews will be back on the ground Thursday for storm cleanup in Clayton. Streets, sidewalks and city tree lawns will be cleared.
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