WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – The Wayne County Health Department announced Tuesday that an adult resident tested positive for measles. The individual had never received the measles vaccine, according to a press release from the department.

Statewide Context

Indiana has documented five measles cases so far in 2026. Two of those were confirmed on Aug. 5, while additional cases have been reported in Parke County and Switzerland County. Health officials stress that measles spreads rapidly through tiny airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger on surfaces for short periods.

Symptoms and Prevention

Typical signs of measles appear within seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. The Wayne County Health Department notes that the measles vaccine is 93% effective after a single dose and reaches 97% effectiveness when the recommended two‑dose series is completed.

Public‑Health Response

County health officials are conducting contact tracing to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the infected adult. They are urging all residents, especially parents, to verify their vaccination status and schedule any missing doses. “Vaccination remains the most reliable tool we have to protect our children, seniors, and vulnerable neighbors from this highly contagious disease,” the department said.

What Residents Should Do

• Check your immunization records. If you have not received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, contact your health‑care provider promptly.
• If you develop fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, or a rash, seek medical attention and inform the provider of any recent travel or exposure.
• Follow any guidance from the Wayne County Health Department regarding quarantine or isolation if you are identified as a close contact.

The department will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents can find the latest data on Indiana’s measles dashboard or by contacting the Wayne County Health Department directly.

Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.