Measles case confirmed in New Madrid County

NEW MADRID COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has confirmed a case of measles in an adult resident of New Madrid County.

The department says exposure is believed to be limited, and known contacts are being identified and contacted. The case is not linked to any prior cases or exposures reported in Missouri.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Symptoms appear 7-14 days after contact with the virus.

The department recommends that people who think they have measles or may have been exposed to measles isolate themselves and call their health care provider before arriving to be tested.

The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, which provides 97% protection from measles infections.

The department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend children receive one dose of MMR at 12-15 months of age and another at 4-6 years. Unvaccinated adults can also receive “catch-up” MMR vaccination.

More information about measles and county-level MMR vaccination rates can be found at Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.