ATLANTA —
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Clayton County Board of Health are investigating confirmed measles (rubeola) infection in an Atlanta area resident. While most residents in the U.S. have immunity to measles through vaccination, DPH is advising persons with certain symptoms to phone their physician or medical provider. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis (or inflammation of the pink membranes around the eye) and a reddish, slightly raised rash that spreads from the head downward (eventually all over the body).
“Vaccination in the U.S. has been tremendous and most of us have no risk of measles infection,” said DPH Director of Health Protection J. Patrick O’Neal, M.D. “And even for the small number of those who are not vaccinated or immune to measles, chance of infection is very small.”
Persons who are not immune to measles and have been exposed to the virus may develop symptoms within 10-21 days. Residents with a body rash developing between now through July 18, 2012 should contact their healthcare provider by phone prior to visiting a medical office or hospital. Because there are many causes for fever and rash illness, health professionals can provide further guidance and answer questions.
Measles is a highly contagious germ caused by the rubeola virus. The virus is spread by coughing and sneezing, and can linger in the air for up to two hours. Persons with measles are considered infectious four days before and four days after the rash appears.
Measles vaccination is included in the routine childhood vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella, commonly called the MMR vaccine. Unvaccinated populations (particularly infants less than 12 months of age) and those with a weak immune system may be at risk for infection. Infection can lead to complications such as ear infection or pneumonia and in rare cases, death.
National, International News
Health officials investigating measles infection
- National, International News
-
-
Several Republicans weigh challenge to Barrow
Now that Rep. John Barrow has turned down a campaign for the U.S. Senate, the challenge ahead for the Deep South’s last white Democratic congressman will be to defy the odds a second time by winning re-election in an eastern Georgia district that was drawn to ensure his defeat.
-
‘Trek’ does $70.6M but falls short of studio hopes
“Star Trek: Into Darkness” has warped its way to a $70.6 million domestic launch from Friday to Sunday, though it’s not setting any light-speed records with a debut that’s lower than the studio’s expectations.
-
Syrian troops push into strategic rebel-held town
Syrian troops pushed into a rebel-held town near the Lebanese border on Sunday, fighting house-to-house and bombing from the air as President Bashar Assad tried to strengthen his grip on a strategic strip of land running from the capital to the Mediterranean coast.
-
Taylor Swift wins 8 trophies at Billboard Awards
Another day, another domination for Taylor Swift: She was the red hot winner at the Billboard Music Awards.
-
Tornadoes level homes in Okla., 21 injured
One of several tornadoes that touched down Sunday in Oklahoma turned homes in a trailer park near Oklahoma City into splinters and rubble and sent frightened residents along a 100-mile corridor scurrying for shelter.
-
Ticket for record Powerball jackpot sold in Florida town
Some lucky person walked into a Publix supermarket in suburban Florida over the past few days and bought a ticket now worth an estimated $590.5 million — the highest Powerball jackpot in history.
-
Today in History for Monday, May 20, 2013
Today is Monday, May 20, the 140th day of 2013. There are 225 days left in the year.
-
Official: Broken rail eyed in Conn. train crash
The commuter train derailment and collision that left dozens injured outside New York City was not the result of foul play, officials said Saturday, but a fractured section of rail is being studied to determine if it is connected to the accident.
-
FBI searches apartment in ricin letter case
Authorities in hazardous materials suits searched a downtown Spokane apartment Saturday, investigating the recent discovery of a pair of letters containing the deadly poison ricin.
-
Up to 60 injured after car drives into Va. parade
An elderly driver plowed into dozens of hikers marching in a Saturday parade in a small Virginia mountain town and investigators were looking into whether he suffered a medical emergency before the accident.
- More National, International News Headlines
-



