Confirmed measles case in Alabama

The Public Health Department of Alabama has confirmed the first active case of measles in the state. The virus was discovered in a child under 1 year old, who was not even old enough to get the vaccine.

One parent said that this worried him of the closeness of this case.

"My kids are doing well right now, but I'm going to watch them closely because they're scattered here – it's a bit scary," said Nicholas Allison.

The infected baby is in St. Clair County, just east of Birmingham and about 160 km south of Huntsville. Doctors at the Huntsville Hospital say that they have prepared for measles by having staff members waiting.

Dr. Ali Hassoun, an infectious disease specialist at the Huntsville Hospital, said that the state of health of this country was only a matter of time before it happened. confirms the first active case of contagious virus.

"Now they report a case of infant carrying measles, and I tell you, I would not be surprised to see more cases," Hassoun said.

Although the infant is not old enough to receive the vaccine, Hassoun explains that it is for this reason that everyone must be vaccinated.

"The idea when we say:" Please, get vaccinated and reduce your risk of infection, "does not concern you," Hassoun said. . "This concerns everyone too, because if you are infected, it's not just your illness, you can pass it on to those who are particularly at risk."

Allison repeated the same feeling and told WAAY 31: "This is not just about protecting one or two kids, it's about protecting the whole school."

The Alabama Public Health Department stated that the infant had not traveled outside of the state or country. State officials believe the baby was considered contagious from April 23rd to May 1st. They work with the family to investigate how the child has been exposed.

According to Hassoun, an epidemic of measles would be much more dangerous than the flu.

"This will not be limited to the winter, it can really be passed between children, and it can last for many months," Hassoun said.

State officials say that vaccines are not lacking and insist that people should be vaccinated. Alabama becomes the 23rd state to report a measles case.