The number of reported measles cases in Indiana continues to rise and health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated against the highly contagious and, in some cases, deadly disease.
There are 162 confirmed measles cases so far this year, according to Indiana Department of Health data from Nov. 12. In 2025 only 10 cases were confirmed. More than half of the Indiana cases are people under the age of 25.
A majority of cases are in Northeast Indiana with LaGrange County at 36, followed by Wayne at 21 and Adams with 20.
Allen County reported 16 cases. County Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Gutwein said there are likely more cases going unreported in the county.
“It could go all the way to 250 or 300, and it just depends on how much the community isolates themselves if they’re able or receives vaccines,” Gutwein said.
Across the U.S. there has been a surge in measles cases following more than two-decades since the virus was considered eliminated in the country. There are 5,400 cases in the country, more than double the number in 2025, according to Johns Hopkins University’s measles tracker.
Measles symptoms can start with a high fever and runny nose before a rash of small raised bumps may appear near the hairline before spreading from the head to the rest of the body, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The virus can cause long-term health complications including seizures as well as brain and lung damage. Other complications can be increased risk of pneumonia and loss of immunity to other viruses, according to the agency.
If exposed, unvaccinated individuals are recommended to quarantine for 21 days to prevent further spread.
The vaccine
In Indiana, most of the reported cases are of unvaccinated people.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is administered over two shots — the first dosage is typically given at about twelve-months.
Indiana Immunization Coalition Communications Director Sara Dillard said about 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated for community immunity.
“Speaking specifically to Indiana in the 2025 to 2026 school year, we only had 91% coverage among kindergartners,” Dillard said. “So that’s what makes this outbreak so dangerous because we have children who are left vulnerable.”
Dillard said there are people at risk who are either too young or have health issues to get vaccinated.
“It’s not just about vaccinating yourself, your family. You know, do it for your neighbor,” Dillard said.
Gutwien encourages anyone not vaccinated to talk with their health provider and the MMR shots if able to. The first shot gives someone 93% immunity and the second increases it to 97%.
“Just get a vaccine. That’s the best thing you can do,” Gutwein said. “It’ll be effective even within three days of being exposed. You can still get a vaccine that’ll protect you.”
County health departments, hospitals and health clinics can administer the shot. The Indiana Immunization Clinic offers mobile clinics around the state.
Contact WFYI health reporter Samantha Horton at shorton@wfyi.org or on Signal at SamHorton.05
