INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) reported its first case of measles in five years on Friday, a rarity due to the widespread availability of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Measles is a highly contagious virus characterized by white spots inside the mouth and a rash. The first symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
“Measles is easily spread and can be serious, especially for young children. One in every five unvaccinated people in the US is hospitalized, and 90% of the unvaccinated who are exposed to measles will become sick,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver. “This case is a good reminder that you are at risk if you haven’t been vaccinated.”
Because of the highly contagious nature of the virus, IDOH notes that one case is enough to qualify as a measles outbreak.
After decades of decline, measles cases have resurged nationally in recent years as vaccination rates falter amid a rampant disinformation campaign about the efficacy of vaccines.
About 97% of those with both doses of the MMR vaccine are immune to measles.
As of Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 35 measles cases in 15 states — including Indiana and neighboring Ohio — but also in California, New York City, and Florida, which is currently wrestling with an elementary school outbreak.
To learn more about measles, visit the CDC website or the IDOH website. You can also call the state health department at 1-800-382-1563.
Read the complete Whitney Downard story for the Indiana Capital Chronicle, here.
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