Group of nearly 50 Gooding people exposed to the measles virus | Local News from Southern Idaho

The health district is urging residents to check their vaccination records to ensure that they are protected against measles with two measles, mumps and rubella vaccines (MMR), the statement said. "Unimmunized people who are one year old or older should receive a measles vaccine to protect themselves and their loved ones."

"The best way to protect yourself and your family from measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases is to vaccinate," said Cheryl Becker, Public Health Division Administrator, in a statement. "By the time you start showing symptoms, it's too late to vaccinate. That's why we urge families to get vaccinated before an epidemic hits their community. "

"Measles is a highly contagious acute viral disease. A small number of cases are capable of rapidly producing epidemics. It's enough for an infected patient to trigger an outbreak. "

Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough and eye discharge, followed by fever and rash, according to the health district. If you have symptoms or if you know you have been exposed to the disease, limit exposure to other people and call your health care provider.

Children should receive their first dose of measles vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and another dose between 4 and 6 years of age.