5 more measles cases in Allen County, bringing Indiana total to 6

Four of the six cases are unvaccinated minors, according to the IDOH. The vaccination statuses of the two infected adults are unclear. All six infected people are reportedly recovering well.

On Monday, the IDOH confirmed the state's first measles case of 2025, an unvaccinated minor also in Allen County.

On Wednesday, it said it believes all six cases are somehow linked but that there are "no known links" to outbreaks in other states.

 State and local public health officials are reportedly working to contact those who may have been exposed in an attempt to slow the spread, and the IDOH said the risk to the general public "remains low."

Even before the five new reported cases Wednesday, the Lake County Health Department said it is extending its clinic hours to allow residents to have more access to get vaccinated, particularly targeting at-risk individuals.

"Measles is entirely preventable through vaccination," the health department said. "Immunizations not only protect the individual but also help to protect the broader community by preventing the spread of the virus. We urge all eligible Hoosiers to check their vaccination status and take immediate action if needed."

The Lake County Health Department is hosting the following vaccine clinics:

• Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Lake County Health Department, 2900 W. 93rd Ave.
• Thursday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Hammond Sportsplex and Community Center, 6630 Indianapolis Blvd.
• April 15, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center, 6600 Broadway.

Individuals born before 1957 are believed to be immune to measles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus capable of spreading easily from person to person. It can stay alive in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, according to the IDOH website.

"If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected," according to the IDOH.

On April 3, there had been 607 confirmed measles cases in a total of 21 states, according to the CDC. Of those cases, 97% were unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown.

The CDC updates its cases dashboard every Thursday.