Measles case reported in child in southeast Idaho – Dailyfly

One case of measles in a child has been reported in southeast Idaho. The child was an international traveler who was not vaccinated against measles. The child was evaluated by medical personnel for measles symptoms and was not hospitalized. The investigation is ongoing.

During the contagious period, the child traveled through several states, including Wyoming and southeastern Idaho, from August 7 to August 16. Southeastern Idaho Public Health is working with the health care facilities the child visited to identify potentially exposed staff and other visitors to the facilities.

Because travel history is incomplete, some people may have been exposed to the virus and not identified by health authorities. If you think you may have come into contact with someone who has measles, call your doctor and monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Health authorities will monitor people known to have come into contact with the child with measles.

“Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough and rash,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, medical director of the Department of Public Health at the Ministry of Health and Human Services. “Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, adults can also get measles if they are not immune.”

Serious complications can include encephalitis, pneumonia, and in rare cases, death. There is no specific treatment for measles. People with measles symptoms should contact their doctor and not visit clinics, pharmacies, or other health facilities without first consulting them so the facility can prepare and reduce the risk of spread.

The best way to protect yourself and your family from measles is to be up-to-date with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is available at many pharmacies and doctor's offices. Children should receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a booster dose between 4 and 6 years of age. The MMR vaccine is generally given for the first time at 12 months of age in the United States, but is sometimes recommended for children as young as 6 months of age who may travel outside the United States or become infected during an outbreak.