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In partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), the Cherokee Nation has confirmed a case of measles in northeastern Oklahoma.

Following a thorough investigation, Cherokee Nation Public Health, Cherokee Nation Health Services, and the OSDH have determined that the identified case poses no public health risk.

The Cherokee Nation urges citizens to check with their primary care provider to ensure they are up to date on all vaccinations.

The MMR vaccine remains the most effective defense against measles, providing 93% protection after the first age-appropriate dose and 97% after the second. It is both safe and highly effective.

According to the OSDH, nine measles cases have now been identified in unvaccinated individuals in northeastern Oklahoma.

The Cherokee Nation remains committed to monitoring potential measles cases and prioritizing the health and well-being of its citizens and community partners.

For more information, a measles fact sheet is available at:

https://www.cherokeepublichealth.org/tiles/index/display?id=331903580629146701

As a reminder, the measles vaccine is available to protect children and adults, and the Cherokee Nation recommends Cherokee citizens contact their primary care provider to ensure they are up to date with all vaccinations.   

Parents may also contact the nearest Cherokee Nation Health Center should they need a vaccination for their child.   https://health.cherokee.org/health-center-and-hospital-locations/outpatient-care/

For questions on measles, contact Dr. David Gahn, Cherokee Nation Public Health Medical Director, at (918)316-9548 or (918)772-4262. 

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Levi Rickert
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Levi "Calm Before the Storm" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at [email protected].