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.
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