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Local health officials are warning about a rise in measles cases, a highly contagious airborne disease that spreads through coughing and sneezing. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, making it easy to catch. A person with measles is contagious four days before and after symptoms appear, increasing the risk of spread.
Doctors stress that vaccination is the best protection. The measles vaccine is given in two doses – one at one year old and another between ages four and six.
That was Dr. Lock with Grand Erie Public Health. He adds that symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, fatigue, and a rash. Small white spots, known as Koplik spots, may also appear inside the mouth. But, health officials are urging the public who suspect they have measles not to rush to a hospital or clinic.
By calling ahead the hospital or clinic can take preventative measures to ensure it doesn’t spread. If you feel you’ve been exposed, Dr. Lock suggests you stay at home and avoid high risk settings, like doctor’s offices or childcare facilities and check that your vaccine is up to date. It is also recommended that if you have measles, you don’t travel for about 21 days to get out of the infectious period.
You might be asking yourself, why are we seeing an upswing in measel cases in Norfolk? Dr. Lock explains there has been a fall in the number of vaccines that are being taken in the community.
With declining vaccination rates due to misinformation, experts are reminding the public that measles can cause serious complications. They encourage parents to check their children’s vaccination records to help stop the spread of this preventable disease.
Written by Jeremy Hall