It could arrive from people returning from vacation, a business trip, or from someone who visited the area.
“Most parents today have never seen measles,” said Elizabeth Accardi, the infectious disease coordinator for the Lee County Health Department. “Many don’t realize how bad it can be.”
The vaccine for the disease was invented in 1963, and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) it was gone from the United States in 2000. Now it is back because fewer people are getting vaccinated.
Besides the itchy rash that can cover the body, measles often causes fevers to reach 102, according to Accardi. It often comes with headaches and vomiting. It can require hospitalization and can cause death.
And it is very, very contagious, according to Cory Law, spokesperson for the Whiteside County Health Department.
“The CDC says if there is one infected person in the room with ten people who have not been vaccinated, nine out of ten will get it,” said Law.
According to the CDC, there have been1,800 measles cases in the United States so far this year. According to the Illinois Department of Health, there have been four cases in Illinois so far, which are down from 67 two years ago.
According to local county health officials, the vaccine is good at protecting children and adults from measles. The shot will provide 93 percent protection. After the second shot, the recipient will have 97 percent protection.
“The state sent out information for us two years ago when there was an outbreak in Chicago,” Accardi said.
The measles rash starts around the hairline, according to Accardi. There is sometimes a cough that comes with it.
“Measles can cause pneumonia and ear infections,” Accardi said.
If someone thinks they might be infected, they should warn the emergency room or the doctor’s office so they can make sure any pregnant staffers are not around.
“You don’t want to just show up because it is so contagious,” Accardi said. “People don’t always realize how contagious it can be.”
Once someone has been determined to have measles, they are asked to quarantine and provide a list of people they have been in contact with. The people they may have infected are given a list of symptoms to check for daily.
“We don’t do forced quarantines,” Accardi said.
Both the Lee and Whiteside health departments offer measles vaccines. To schedule an appointment or for more information, Lee County residents should call 815 284 3371. Whiteside County residents should call 815 626 2230.
One Response
Can you get them if you had the original shot back in the 60s