Joseph Rios
Measles is making a comeback across Missouri, and Benton County is among the areas seeing cases this year.
According to Lisa Cox, communications director for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Benton County has recorded seven confirmed measles cases so far in 2026. That's part of a statewide increase that health officials are closely monitoring.
“Last year we had seven total cases for the calendar year,” Cox said. “This year we're not quite to November yet, and we've had 18 total.”
Cox said many of Missouri's cases were reported in the past six to eight weeks.
The good news for Benton County is that the cases have been fairly isolated. Several involved people living in the same household, and three of the county's cases were reported a couple of months ago.
Cox said health officials have not announced any public exposure locations in Benton County connected to those cases.
That matters because measles is highly contagious, and tracking everyone who may have been exposed can take considerable time and effort.
For residents wondering how to protect themselves, Cox said the best place to start is with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, commonly known as MMR.
Many adults received the vaccine as children, while some older residents may have immunity from having had measles before vaccines became widely available.
Cox encouraged anyone unsure of their vaccination history to check with a healthcare provider.
She also said anyone who develops symptoms, particularly after a possible exposure, should stay away from others and contact a healthcare provider for guidance.
Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face greater risks from illness.
Flu Season Is Getting Underway
Measles isn't the only illness Missouri health officials are watching.
The state's annual flu season officially began in October, and Cox said health officials are already seeing confirmed cases.
“We've just got a few hundred statewide reported so far this year,” Cox said.
She explained that flu season can be difficult to predict. Health experts look at influenza activity in other parts of the world, including Australia, to help determine which strains may circulate in the United States during the fall and winter.
That information also helps guide the development of each year's flu vaccine.
Cox said now is a good time for residents to get their flu shots rather than waiting until more cases begin showing up.
Vaccination doesn't guarantee someone won't get the flu, but it can reduce the risk of serious illness.
With measles cases already confirmed in Benton County and flu season beginning, Cox said residents should pay attention to their health, check their vaccination records and take precautions when they're sick.
For Benton County families, the message is simple: A little prevention now can go a long way toward keeping everyone healthier as the colder months approach.
