News from the South - Missouri News Feed

Missouri health department announces first measles case of 2025

Published

3 months ago

April 18, 2025

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

Texas floods: Death toll rises, 11 girls still missing as search efforts continue

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10 hours ago

July 6, 2025

Staff Editor

fox4kc.com – The Associated Press – 2025-07-06 08:15:00

SUMMARY: Devastating flash floods hit central Texas starting July 4, 2025, primarily impacting Kerr County along the Guadalupe River, killing nearly 70 people—including many children at summer camps like Camp Mystic. Sheriff Larry Leitha reported 11 campers still missing amid difficult search conditions involving helicopters, boats, and drones. Over 850 people were rescued. The floods rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, sweeping away homes and vehicles. Authorities face questions about warning adequacy despite National Weather Service alerts. Governor Greg Abbott declared a day of prayer as communities grieve. Survivors recounted harrowing escapes, while investigations continue into preparedness and response for this historic rainfall disaster.

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News from the South - Missouri News Feed

Parents cited after kids start St. Louis fireworks wars

Published

20 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – FOX 2 St. Louis – 2025-07-05 21:45:34

SUMMARY: St. Louis police arrested 60 people downtown Friday night, including 45 juveniles as young as 12. For the first time, parents were cited for their children’s actions during a surge in fireworks-related incidents. Authorities set up a reunification center to hold minors until parents arrived; those delayed beyond 45 minutes faced additional citations. Among arrests, eight involved firearms, alongside charges like resisting arrest and contributing to minor delinquency. Fire-related calls rose 61% this year, with 631 incidents including building and grass fires. Officials emphasized parental responsibility and plan increased patrols and citations at future events to curb dangerous behaviors.

Police arrested 60 people, including 45 juveniles, during Fourth of July celebrations downtown, citing parents for their children’s behavior for the first time.

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News from the South - Missouri News Feed

Shannon County Sheriff alleges ‘orchestrated campaign of harassment and smear tactics,’ threats to life

Published

1 day ago

July 5, 2025

Staff Editor

www.ozarksfirst.com – Kathryn Skopec – 2025-07-05 13:29:00

SUMMARY: Shannon County Commission announced termination of nearly all Shannon County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) staff due to a 75% budget overspend. Sheriff Steven Hogan condemned the move as politically motivated and alleged harassment and death threats. A temporary restraining order has paused deputy terminations until the trial scheduled for July 9. Commission attorney Ivan Schraeder stated the commission’s evidence will clarify the situation, disputing SCSO claims of mismanagement by Hogan. The commission argues legal flaws in SCSO’s suit and has requested a $200,000 security bond for deputies. Despite cuts, the jail and dispatch services remain operational. Hogan seeks federal investigation into threats.

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The post Shannon County Sheriff alleges ‘orchestrated campaign of harassment and smear tactics,’ threats to life appeared first on www.ozarksfirst.com