Message shares importance of vaccines to deal with measles 09.18.25

September 18, 2025

Message shares importance of vaccines to deal with measles

MOBILE, Ala. — Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County, would like to share this open message to the community about concerns over the spread of measles:

Are we protected? This season, more than 1,400 measles cases have been reported across the country, with 96 percent occurring in patients who were unvaccinated, under-vaccinated, or whose vaccination status was unknown. There were three confirmed deaths and 181 hospitalizations for supportive care.

While Texas has declared its outbreak concluded, our vigilance cannot end here. A total of 21 measles cases were reported as related to travel. These cases were linked to individuals who became infected while traveling outside the United States and then returned, unknowingly carrying the virus.

Because measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in school settings, workplaces, and public spaces, even a handful of travel-related cases can spark local outbreaks, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.

This is a reminder that borders cannot contain infectious diseases. One case brought in from travel can quickly impact an entire region. Vaccination is our strongest defense, protecting not only individuals but also the wider community by preventing transmission.

We encourage all residents to check their immunization status, especially before traveling, and to speak with healthcare providers about staying up to date on the MMR vaccine. By doing so, you are protecting yourself, your loved ones, and the health of our community.

V/R

Kevin Philip Michaels, MD, MPH, FACOEM
Health Officer
Mobile County Health Department