Measles has in effect been eliminated from the United States due to widespread vaccination. However, there are still occasional outbreaks that occur when an unvaccinated person travels to a foreign country where the disease is still prevalent.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health, seven cases of measles have been recently identified among residents of Stokes and Orange Counties.
The first person to be diagnosed during this measles outbreak started showing symptoms shortly after returning from a trip to India. It is important to note all seven cases have occurred among persons who were not vaccinated against the disease.
Measles presents itself with fever, rash, cough, runny nose, sore throat and/or conjunctivitis. Your best defense against measles is to get the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine and of course to avoid infected individuals.
Measles is not an illness to take lightly because it can be very serious or even fatal, especially for young children. If you suspect that you or a family member either has the disease or has been exposed to the disease, it is important to see a doctor right away.
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