With the increase in measles cases across the country, Schuyler County Public Health is reminding community members about the signs and symptoms of measles, steps to take if you experience these symptoms, and how to prevent measles infection.
“Measles is a very contagious virus that can spread easily among people who aren’t protected by vaccination or prior infection,” shared Schuyler County Public Health Director Jill Kasprzyk. “If someone with measles is in a room, 9 out of 10 people who aren’t protected will get measles.”
Schuyler County Public Health shared the following information:
- Measles spreads in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles remains in a room where a contagious person has been for up to 2 hours after the person has left the room.
- Common signs and symptoms of measles are rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). Talk to your doctor or your child’s doctor if you or your child have these symptoms.
- Measles can lead to serious health complications. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles is hospitalized and as many as 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children. Measles can also lead to encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
“The best way to prevent measles infection is by getting the MMR vaccine,” shared Kasprzyk. “The MMR vaccine helps your natural immune system develop antibodies to fight against measles, mumps, and rubella. The two-dose MMR vaccine series is 97% effective at preventing measles. Talk to your doctor or your child’s doctor to check if the vaccine is needed or if you are already protected from measles infection.”
Learn more about measles: