First Measles Case Reported in Clark County
Health District urges vaccination for eligible individuals, continued vigilance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 7, 2025
LAS VEGAS—The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first confirmed case of measles in Clark County since 2018. The case involves an infant who was not yet eligible to receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The child was hospitalized and has since been discharged and is recovering.
As of November 4, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,681 measles cases nationwide this year, including three confirmed deaths. Current measles activity continues to be associated with exposure to the virus during international travel and subsequent spread among unvaccinated individuals.
Community members may have been exposed to measles at the following location and times:
- St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Siena Campus Pediatric Emergency Department, on October 31, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and November 1, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Health District’s disease surveillance team is working with the facility to notify potentially exposed patients and staff and provide appropriate follow-up information and resources.
“Measles is highly contagious and can spread to others simply by being in the same room with an infected person,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “We encourage anyone who visited the listed location during the exposure periods to monitor for symptoms and contact their health care provider if they develop signs of illness. It is very important to call ahead before seeking care so that steps can be taken to avoid exposing others.”
Measles symptoms typically develop seven to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to develop. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A red rash usually appears three to five days after the initial symptoms start. A person with measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after it begins. The virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours and be transferred to the nose or mouth by touching infected surfaces.
The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing the disease. Children should receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. Infants 6 to 11 months old who are traveling internationally should receive one early dose before travel.
People who were at the exposure locations listed above should:
- Monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.
- Check vaccination status.
- Contact their health care provider if symptoms develop.
- Call ahead before going to a health care facility.
There is no specific treatment for measles. Supportive care such as rest, fluids and fever-reducing medications is recommended. Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, death. Young children and adults over age 20 are at higher risk of severe illness.
For additional information, call the Health District’s Information Line at (702) 759-4636 (INFO) or visit the website at https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/Health-Topics/measles-rubeola/
To make an appointment for vaccination at a Health District clinic, visit www.SNHD.info/immunizations or call (702) 759-0850.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.