Health officials encourage vaccinations after positive measles cases continue to rise

ILLINOIS(KBSI) – The CDC says people should be aware after increased positive measles cases are seemingly spreading from state to state. With one death now reported health care professional’s urge citizens to protect themselves from this highly contagious disease.  

 CDC reports how the US is seeing one of the biggest measles outbreaks its seen in several years. With a total of 164 cases found in 9 different states.

Health officials say this in large part due to a decrease in people getting vaccinated.  

Shawnna Rhine is the Community Outreach Coordinator of Southern Seven Health Department of Illinois.

She explains that measles is a highly contagious viral infection that’s spread through the air through coughing or sneezing.

Symptoms include cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, fever, red blotchy skin and a skin rash.

Rhine says if you experience any of these symptoms you should call your doctor. 

“So, we just recommend to everybody if you’re having flu-like symptoms of any kind contact your doctor and get tested and follow treatment accordingly again there are no antibiotics against measles because this is a viral infection and there are no antivirals like there are with flu as well as with covid.” 

As of February 27, a total of 164 positive measles cases were reported in Texas, Alaska, California, Georgia, New Jersy, New Mexico, New York City, Rhode Island and Kentucky. With the majority of cases being found in Texas.

CDC reports show that 95% of people who tested positive were either not vaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown and 2% of people who were fully vaccinated tested positive.

If you have any questions or concerns over whether or not you should get vaccinated, you can contact your local Health Department.

For more information from the CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC.