Southern Seven Health Department issued the following announcement on Feb. 13.
A second case of measles has been reported in Champaign-Urbana. Like the first case announced in January, this second case involves a member of the University of Illinois campus community.
“What we have right now are two college-age unvaccinated persons, who are infected with measles,” said Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Administrator Julie Pryde.
Measles is more likely to result in potentially life-threatening complications among children under 5 and adults over 20, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control. Complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).
Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus. Symptoms usually develop 10–12 days after exposure to an infected person and last 7–10 days. Initial symptoms typically include fever, often greater than 40 °C (104.0 °F), cough, runny nose, and inflamed eye.
Measles was declared eradicated in America in 2000. Now, in nine states, and with two reported cases in Champaign County, the disease is back. Clark County, Washington alone has reported 53 cases, and the World Health Organization warned last week to expect a dramatic rise in cases in Europe, as they have seen the most significant outbreak there in a decade.
All of this is preventable. The measles vaccine is said to be 97% effective with two doses.
Southern Seven Health Department carries the vaccine that prevents Measles. Call 618-634-2297 to schedule your approintment today.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Southern Seven Health Department
Alerts Sign-up