MONTGOMERY– The Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed a measles case in an Alabama resident who currently lives and works outside the state.
ADPH said the person had not received a measles vaccine. However, the department has found no connection between the case and any known public exposure in Alabama.
Although the person lives outside the state, health officials said the case provides an important warning. Unvaccinated travelers can encounter measles elsewhere and unknowingly bring the virus home.
Measles Spreads Easily
Measles is a serious and highly contagious illness caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
According to ADPH, unvaccinated people have a 90 percent chance of infection after exposure. Therefore, health officials encourage residents to check their vaccination status before traveling.
Symptoms normally appear seven to 14 days after infection. However, infected people can spread measles several days before symptoms begin.
Common symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash. In some cases, a person’s fever may rise above 104 degrees.
Travel Raises the Risk of Exposure
Measles cases in the United States often begin with international travel. However, people can also face exposure while traveling within the country.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,260 confirmed U.S. cases as of July 16. Because summer brings more travel, ADPH is urging families to review their vaccination records.
Health officials said the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine offers the best protection. Most people know it as the MMR vaccine.
CDC Recommends MMR Vaccination
The CDC recommends two MMR doses for children. Children should receive the first dose between 12 and 15 months old.
Afterward, they should receive the second dose between ages four and six. Children should complete both doses before entering school.
Adults may need one or two doses, depending on their risk factors. Therefore, anyone unsure about previous vaccination should contact a healthcare provider.
International travelers should complete the recommended vaccination schedule before leaving the country. In addition, infants between six and 11 months should receive one MMR dose before international travel.
That early dose does not replace the regular childhood schedule. Those infants should receive two more doses after their first birthday.
Measles Can Cause Serious Health Problems
Measles can cause serious complications, especially in children younger than five. For example, complications may include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain swelling, and death.
As a result, ADPH encourages parents to keep their children’s vaccinations current. Adults who do not know their vaccination history should also speak with a healthcare provider.
More information about measles, its symptoms, and vaccination is available through the Alabama Department of Public Health.
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