State officials pinpoint multiple public locations in Oklahoma City where measles exposure may have occurred

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has sounded the alarm after confirming two new probable measles cases today, raising fears of a growing outbreak in the state. The announcement, made on March 14, 2025, follows an urgent investigation revealing that the infected individuals visited multiple public locations while contagious, potentially exposing unvaccinated Oklahomans to the highly infectious disease.

The OSDH has released a list of businesses in Owasso and Claremore where the public may have been exposed on February 27 and March 2, 2025. Anyone who visited the following locations during the specified times is urged to take immediate action:

• Kohl’s, 12405 E 96th St N, Owasso: Feb. 27, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.

• Aldi, 9259 N Owasso Expressway, Owasso: Feb. 27, 4:20 - 7:00 p.m.

• Walmart Supercenter, 12101 E 96th St N, Owasso: Feb. 27, 5:15 - 8:00 p.m.

• Sam’s Club, 12905 E 96th St N, Owasso: Feb. 27, 7:00 - 9:21 p.m.

• Sprouts Farmers Market, 9601 N 133rd E Ave, Owasso: Feb. 27, 7:30 - 10:02 p.m.

• Lowe’s Home Improvement, 1746 S Lynn Riggs Blvd, Claremore: March 2, 7:00 - 9:27 p.m.

Health officials are urging anyone who was at these locations and is unvaccinated, unsure of their vaccine status, or concerned about exposure to report their details via an online form at https://redcap.link/Measles.

OSDH or Tulsa Health Department staff will follow up between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. Those potentially exposed and not immune are advised to isolate from public settings for 21 days from the exposure date.

“If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, a fever, or a new rash and were at these locations, stay home immediately,” said OSDH spokesperson Erica Rankin-Riley. “Call your doctor ahead of time and notify them of your symptoms and possible exposure. Then contact our Epidemiologist-on-Call at 405-426-8710.”

The OSDH confirmed that both new cases are connected to an ongoing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, though they are unrelated to two earlier cases reported on March 11, 2025.

All four probable cases in Oklahoma involve unvaccinated individuals, highlighting the critical role of vaccination in preventing the spread of this contagious disease, which can be transmitted four days before and after the onset of a rash.

Under Oklahoma law, measles is classified as an “immediately notifiable reportable disease.” Health providers, labs, and hospitals must report suspected or confirmed cases to the OSDH without delay by calling 405-426-8710, available 24/7.

“Delayed reporting hampers our ability to investigate and protect the public,” the OSDH warned, noting that timely notifications are essential for confirming infections and issuing public alerts.

The OSDH is collaborating with the Tulsa Health Department to trace the outbreak and identify additional risks. Updates on new cases and exposure sites will be posted at Oklahoma.gov/health/measles.

As Oklahoma grapples with this emerging threat, the OSDH is doubling down on its mission to safeguard public health through prevention and rapid response.

With measles cases on the rise, officials are urging residents to verify their vaccination status and stay vigilant. For more information, visit Oklahoma.gov/health or follow #HealthyOklahoma on social media.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.