ADAMS COUNTY, Ind. (WLKI)- The Indiana Department of Health is reporting a second confirmed measles case in Adams County.
The additional diagnosis brings the statewide total to 17 known cases. Adams County is the first area in northeast Indiana to report measles in 2026, while other Indiana cases have been reported in Wayne, Parke and Switzerland counties.
Measles is an airborne virus that spreads easily when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes. Health officials say the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Symptoms often begin with a high fever, cough, watery eyes and a runny nose. A bright red rash can develop three to five days after symptoms first appear.
Health officials say the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, commonly known as the MMR vaccine, is the most effective protection against measles. People unsure of their vaccination status can contact a doctor or local health department to check their records.