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Naples – Facing the increase in the number of measles cases in the United States, the Collier County's Florida Health Department (DOH-Collier) is urging residents and unvaccinated visitors to get vaccinated. It was thought that measles had been eradicated in the United States in 2000, but it has re-emerged in recent months as epidemics in several states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define a measles outbreak as three or more cases. As of April 17, 2019, a case of measles had been reported to the Florida Department of Health.
Measles is a highly contagious acute viral disease. Although it is generally considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age. In general, preschool children, adolescents, young adults, and the under-immunized are the majority of measles cases in the United States.
Measles spreads in the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing and is extremely contagious. The symptoms of measles usually begin about seven to 14 days after a person's exposure to measles. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and rash.
Anyone with these symptoms should contact their health care provider. There is no specific treatment for measles.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from measles and other preventable diseases is vaccination. In Florida, children should be vaccinated against measles with the combined measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) and should receive two doses, the first between 12 and 15 months and the second between four and six years.
Adults should be vaccinated with at least one dose of MMR vaccine, a second dose being recommended for higher risk individuals, such as international travelers and health workers. .
MMR vaccines for children and adults are available at the DOH-Collier clinics from Monday to Friday, by appointment or by appointment.
• Immokalee: 419 North First Street, Immokalee, 34142; Monday to Friday from 8h to 16h. To make an appointment, call 239-252-7300.
For more information on measles, visit floridahealth.gov/measles
The Immokalee Bulletin is published every Thursday.
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