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A disease that’s rarely seen in the U.S. anymore has been confirmed in the Greene County area. KSMU’s Michele Skalicky has more…

Two cases of measles have been confirmed in the Greene County area. The disease is rare in the United States these days thanks to a vaccine against it. Between 1997 and 2004 there were fewer than 150 total cases reported for the U.S.
Kendra Williams, administrator of community health and epidemiology with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, says one confirmed case of measles is considered an outbreak…the last outbreak she knows of in the U.S. was in 2008.
Most cases today are internationally imported—as were the two in Greene County...

"The individuals were in South America.  When they returned, one of the individuals came down with symptoms and was ill for a period of time, and then the second individual became ill."

Once the 1st case of measles was suspected, health officials tracked down anyone who may have been in contact with the person who was ill, and vaccinations were offered to them.
But there may have been some people who were exposed that the health department doesn’t know about.
According to Williams, measles is highly contagious but most people were either vaccinated as kids or, if they were born before 1957, they’ve had the disease, which gives them immunity…

"What we worry about are those who are not fully protected or who have chosen not to vaccinate due to religious exemption or idealogical reasons.  They're very susceptible."

Measles is characterized by a high fever, cough and runny nose followed by a rash. It can lead to complications and even death.
Williams advises anyone who isn’t protected against measles to get the vaccine.
To learn more, call Williams at 864-1408.
 

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