VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – The Vigo County Health Department says prevention is key when it comes to protection from measles.
The Indiana Department of Health on Monday announced the first confirmed case of measles in Indiana this year. The IDOH says the case is an unvaccinated minor in Allen County.
Vigo County Health Department Public Health Educator Shelby Jackson says the best way to prevent measles is with the MMR vaccine.
According to the IDOH, more than 93% of people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to measles and more than 97% will be protected after receiving a second dose.
Jackson says measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease spread by air droplets.
“If someone coughs or sneezes in a room like this, it can actually stay in here for up to 2 hours. That’s why it’s super important to be aware of your symptoms and if you have any symptoms or any rashes present to call your doctor, but to make sure you isolate and stay out of the community, so that way we don’t further the spread,” says Jackson.
Jackson says symptoms of measles are high fever, rash, red watery eyes, a cough and a runny nose. She added tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.
