State schedules vaccination clinics as measles cases rise to four

The number of reported measles cases has grown to four in South Dakota, according to a Wednesday news release from the state Department of Health. In response, the department will hold vaccination clinics across the state.

The super-contagious disease is nearing a six-year record as outbreaks spread across the United States. According to a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention update June 13, there are 1,197 confirmed cases affecting 34 states.

North Dakota reports the highest rate of any state at 34 cases. Reports of new cases in Texas, where the outbreak originated, may be subsiding as hesitant residents become more willing to vaccinate, experts say.

The measles vaccine offers the best protection against infection, according to the South Dakota Health Department.

“We encourage everyone to check their vaccination status and take advantage of these clinics, especially if they’re unsure of their immunity,” said Dr. Joshua Clayton, state epidemiologist, in a news release.

The release did not say whether the clinics will charge for the vaccinations, or how much, and the department did not immediately respond to questions from South Dakota Searchlight.

South Dakota had a 91% vaccination rate among kindergarteners during the 2024-25 school year, according to state data, which was down from 96% before the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination coverage of 95% or above is needed to halt measles transmission, according to medical professionals.

The state has experienced lower vaccination rates in recent years as more parents claim religious exemptions allowed in state law. The counties with the worst measles, mumps and rubella vaccination rates among kindergarteners include Faulk (56%), Jones (60%), Hutchinson (64%) and Sanborn (66%). Fifteen counties report a vaccination rate at or above 95%.

One of the patients in the latest measles report visited the Rapid City Medical Center Urgent Care waiting room at 2820 Mount Rushmore Road from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on June 10 while infected. A press release from the Health Department did not say whether the new cases are among children or adults.

Measles symptoms appear in two stages, first with a runny nose, cough and slight fever. Second, occurring on the third to seventh day of the illness, a red blotchy rash appears and lasts for up to a week. The rash usually begins on the face. The person’s temperature also rises to 103-105 degrees Fahrenheit.