JACKSON, MISS– No cases of measles have been confirmed in Mississippi, but a recent outbreak in Shelby County, Tennessee is causing concern.
Shelby County is located just north of Southaven, Mississippi.
“Measles is literally knocking on our back door. This is a highly contagious, airborne disease and is easily spread from person to person,” says State Epidemiologist Thomas Dobbs, “Unvaccinated individuals are highly susceptible to infection. This is a potentially deadly virus; infants and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk.”
The Mississippi Department of Health recommends that if you’re behind on your measles vaccine, you call your physician immediately.
Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash. Mississippi doctors have been notified that if measles is diagnosed, it must be reported to the state department of health within 24 hours.
So far, 6 people in Shelby County have been diagnosed with measles. 4 Mississippi folks have traveled to the area and even though they have been vaccinated, they are under supervision of the Mississippi Department of Health. If you’ve recently traveled to the area, visit the Shelby County Health Department site for instructions on how to deal with reporting and symptoms. http://www.schdresponse.com/content/measlesoutbreak
