Indiana’s public‑health officials confirmed 145 measles cases as of Nov. 9, 2026, spread across 21 counties. The surge has prompted former Indiana congressman and physician Dr. Larry Bucshon to caution that waning confidence in vaccines could leave more families exposed to a disease that can cause serious complications.
Local impact and county breakdown
LaGrange County leads with 36 cases, followed by Adams County with 19 and Wayne County with 17. Additional cases have been reported in Allen, Jennings, Miami and Parke counties, among others. The Indiana Department of Health emphasizes that measles spreads through the air and can remain infectious in a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.
Why measles is returning
Dr. Bucshon explained that widespread vaccination historically kept measles from circulating, giving many people the impression that the disease was no longer a threat. “A lot of people used to say, ‘Well, I’m not vaccinated. I’ve never got measles.’ That’s because everybody around you is vaccinated,” he said.
He added that the anti‑vaccination movement has grown over the past decade and gained momentum during the COVID‑19 pandemic, when public debate over the coronavirus vaccine eroded confidence in immunizations more broadly.
Risks for children and vulnerable adults
Measles can cause severe complications, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems. Dr. Bucshon warned that many mistakenly view the disease as benign. “There’s a number of people who will have serious complications, including death,” he said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, while a single dose offers roughly 93% protection.
Public‑health response
The Indiana Department of Health urges anyone who is unsure of their vaccination status to consult a healthcare provider and receive the recommended two‑dose series. The agency also recommends that exposed individuals who are unvaccinated seek immediate medical advice, as up to nine out of ten unprotected people exposed to measles can become infected.
Local health officials continue to monitor the outbreak and are working with schools, churches, and community groups to ensure accurate information about vaccine safety and effectiveness reaches families across the state.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
