Marion County public health reports measles outbreak concerns, reminds residents about ticks and Lyme disease precautions

Marion County Public Health officials briefed the Health and Hospital Corporation board about a continuing measles outbreak and gave seasonal reminders about tick-borne illnesses.

Dr. Kane, director and chief medical officer for Marion County Public Health, said Indiana has recorded eight measles cases so far and the national outbreak had reached "over 25 cases occurring in over 30 states" at the time of the presentation. He said there have been no cases in Marion County to date, but county public-health staff are coordinating with the Indianapolis Patient Safety Coalition — a group that includes local hospitals — to ensure reporting, diagnostic routing and contact tracing are in place.

Dr. Kane also reviewed Health First Indiana funding: local public-health departments received $11.8 million in 2024 and $22.5 million in 2025, with $10 million of the 2025 funds routed to the community. He said recent state budget changes for 2026 will reduce public-health infrastructure funding and staff are working with the State Department of Health and grantees to adjust outcomes and spending plans accordingly.

Finally, Dr. Kane urged residents to take tick-bite precautions during the summer and described common Lyme disease symptoms — fever, rash, muscle and joint pain, swelling and headache — and noted early treatment with doxycycline can prevent long-term complications. He reported that Marion County saw 43 Lyme disease diagnoses in the past five years while the state recorded 1,285 cases.