A nearby measles case is causing local health leaders to put the community on alert.
On July 11, The Monroe County Health Department sent out a news release strongly encouraging measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations for Monroe County residents to aid in minimizing the spread of measles.
While there are currently no reported cases in Monroe County, the advice comes after the announcement of a confirmed measles case in Putnam County, just two counties over.
In a Facebook post, the Putnam County Health Department states there is no current outbreak and that the overall risk to the public remains low.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that causes high fever, rashes, cough and other flu-like symptoms. It is also a potentially life-threatening virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. announced measles was eradicated in 2000, after the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine. However, cases have risen in recent years as the number of vaccinated kindergarteners has dropped and travel increases to countries where measles is more prevalent.
The most effective protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. The MCHD urges all residents to check their vaccination status to see if they are due for a MMR vaccine.
Who is eligible to get the MMR vaccine?
In the news release, the MCHD explains a list of steps identifying eligibility.
According to the CDC, children usually need two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose should be administered at 12-15 months, and the second dose at 4-6 years.
Most people born after 1957 who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine are considered “protected for life” and do not need a booster, according to the MCHD.
Where can you get the MMR vaccine?
Vaccination appointments can be scheduled at the Monroe County Public Heath Clinic located at 333 E. Miller Dr. in Bloomington by calling 812-353-3244.
Cases in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Health has been investigating the outbreak of measles and working with local health officials to help stop the spread infection. They track the number of cases weekly.
As of last week, there have been nine confirmed cases in Indiana. Eight have been confirmed in Allen County and the other comes from Putnam County.
The current reported cases were connected to each other with no known links to outbreaks in other states, according to the IDOH.
Contact Deshna Venkatachalam at DVenkatachalam@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Nearby measles case prompts Monroe County leaders to alert residents, promote vaccine
Reporting by Deshna Venkatachalam, The Herald-Times / The Herald-Times
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