Nearly 50 people in Gooding County have been tested for possible exposure to measles

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT / KSVT) – Nearly 50 people in Gooding County were probably exposed to the measles virus in April while they were traveling to Seattle.

The South Central Public Health District announced in a press release that a team of nurses and epidemiologists had inspected all patients on Thursday and confirmed that none of the patients had been hospitalized. between them presently had symptoms of the disease.

"The best way to protect yourself and your family from measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases is to vaccinate," Cheryle Becker, Administrator of the Public Health Division of CSHPD. "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. "

HICPS will continue to monitor the group's symptoms until May 18th to ensure they have not contracted the disease. In the meantime, the health district is urging residents to check their vaccination cards and confirm that they are protected against measles with two MMR vaccines.

Unimmunized individuals 1 year of age and older should receive a measles vaccine to protect themselves and others.

Becker said measles is a highly contagious viral disease.

"A small number of cases are capable of rapidly producing outbreaks," Becker said. "It's enough for an infected patient to trigger an outbreak."

Brianna Bodily, the district's information officer, said the group had been exposed to the measles virus while traveling to Seattle at the same time as a person who was tested positive. to the virus.

She added that the investigators had begun to alert people who may have been in contact with the infected person. The investigators then contacted Idaho Health and Welfare about the Gooding group to investigate.

The district health said the symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and eye discharge, followed by fever and rashes. If you have symptoms and know that you have been exposed to the disease, it is important to limit your exposure to other people so you do not spread the disease. The public is advised to call their health care provider immediately and tell them if they have symptoms and if they have been exposed.

Children should receive their first dose of measles vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age; another dose at 4-6 years. Measles / mumps / rubella vaccine (MMR) is usually given for the first time at the age of 12 months in the United States, but is sometimes recommended for children under 6 months traveling outside the country. from the United States or may be infected during an outbreak.