Health Officials Confirm Measles Case St. Lucie County Child
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A case of the measles has been confirmed in St. Lucie County.
The 6-year-old, according to the Florida Department of Health, is unvaccinated.
Officials immediately notified the St. Lucie School District superintendent and are working with the district staff to limit any potential exposure, the Department of Health said.
Interviews by the health department are underway to identify all potential contacts and exposures.
The Measles, caused by the Measles virus, is a serious respiratory disease. The disease is highly contagious and can be spread to others who are unvaccinated.
The State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong encourages residents and visitors to protect themselves, families and communities by getting vaccinated.
"Measles is a very serious disease, yet thankfully, we have a safe and proven method to prevent measles through vaccination," Dr. Armstrong said in a press release.
Those who are fully immunized have very little risk of developing measles. Ideally, children should receive two doses, the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at four to six years of age.
The symptoms of measles, which is spread through air by infectious droplets, generally begin approximately seven to 14 days after a person is exposed to someone with measles, and include the following:
- Blotchy rash
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Feeling run down, achy (malaise)
- Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik's spots)
People who develop these symptoms should contact their health care provider right away.
For more information about measles and vaccination information, go to http://www.flhealth.gov or www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html .
