- Sharita S.
- Tuesday, November 27, 2018
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as of October 6, 2018, 142 individual cases of measles confirmed in 25 states and the District of Columbia, including South Carolina.
Have you had your measles shot? According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as of October 6, 2018, 142 individual cases of measles confirmed in 25 states and the District of Columbia, including South Carolina. There have been three reported cases in Upstate SC, no reported cases in the Midlands. If you have not had your shot, go to your nearest pharmacy or Health Department to ask about getting your vaccination.
Measles are a respiratory tract viral infection commonly found in children. It is highly contagious.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is usually given to children around 9 – 15 months of age, with a second dose at 15 months – 6 years of age, with at least 4 weeks between the doses.
For more information talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or your local health department.
Richland County Health Department
2000 Hampton St.
Columbia, SC 29204
803-576-2870
Symptoms of the Measles:
- Spread through the air by coughing or sneezing, usually 10 days after exposure
- Can lead to hospitalization or death
- Fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and inflamed eyes
- Followed by skin rash made up of large, flat blotches - lasts five or six days
- Usually the infection will lessen in two – three weeks.
Click here for more information: Mayo Clinic
FAQs:
- Can I get the measles if I’ve already been vaccinated? It’s possible, but very unlikely. 97% of people are protected after the second dose of the vaccine.
- Do I have to get two shots? No. there is a combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine that also protects against chickenpox (varicella). It’s a single shot that may be used. Talk to your doctor about both options.
- Are the measles contagious? Yes. A person with measles can spread the virus to others for four days before the rash up-to four days after the rash is present.
- How do I know if I have the measles? For the first 10 – 14 days after you are infected, you may have little to no symptoms. Then you will develop symptoms above. Along with a skin rash as your symptoms, get worse. See your doctor for a true diagnosis.
- Is there a cure for the measles to prevent outbreaks? There’s no specific treatment for someone who already has measles. Best protection is vaccination before you get the virus.
Click here for more information: Measles vaccine
