The Jefferson County Health Department has identified and is managing a single case of measles in the county, including working with potential contacts of the victim, according to a press release issued by the department late Friday afternoon (March 8).
The department's communicable disease staff is working directly with the case to identify potential contacts and make arrangements for follow-up immunizations and care if necessary, according to the release.
No information was given concerning the identity or hometown of the infected person.
This case is associated with a previously identified out-of-state confirmed case of measles acquired while traveling, the release said.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, measles starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing.
The measles virus can live for up to two hours in areas where the infected person coughs or sneezes.
If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected.