CDC warns public of rise in measles cases

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The CDC has issued an alert to the public after 23 cases of Measles has been confirmed since December. 

Dr.  George Turabedlidze works for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and he says the spread of measles pose major health risks to the public because of health complications it can cause.  

“Such as ear infection, pneumonia, which would be quite serious pneumonia. And it is extremely contagious, it’s one of the most contagious infections known to man.” 

Measles spread by contact with infected nasal or throat saliva when a person with the disease coughs or sneezes, or by breathing air that was breathed by someone with the disease.

The U.S. has had very few Measles cases since 2020. A rise in national travel of people unvaccinated and a decline in children getting vaccinations is thought to be the reason behind the new cases. Amber Grand is a nurse with the Cape Girardeau Public Health Center and she says getting the Measles vaccine is important. 

“It can lessen the severity of the symptoms as well as reduce your chances of developing viral illness. If you feel like you have had it and aren’t sure or don’t have documentation there’s also a lab test that can test for immunity to measles,” says Grand. 

If your exposed to Measles and show symptoms you should contact your health care provider and let them know you’ve been exposed before going in to see them and then quarantine.

You are contagious four days before you have a measles rash and four days after your rash goes away.  

Dr. Turabedlidze says “If you are traveler first of all make sure you are vaccinated and if you decide to get vaccinated it should be at least two weeks prior to departure.”  

There’s been one positive measles case in Missouri and one in Kentucky along with confirmed cases in 8 other states at this time.

For more information you can go to the CDC website.