The Midland Health Department has confirmed a case of measles in an adult resident. The department suspects the case might be linked to international travel, though further testing is needed to determine the exact exposure location. They are actively investigating the situation, conducting contact tracing, and collaborating with state health officials to identify any potential exposures.
In response to this case, the Midland Health Department is implementing several measures to reduce the risk of further transmission. These steps include notifying individuals who may have been exposed through contact tracing, providing information about measles on their website and social media platforms, and coordinating with state health officials for monitoring and management.
Measles is described as a highly contagious respiratory illness spread through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with an infected person. The virus can remain airborne or on surfaces for up to two hours. "It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of unvaccinated people around them will also become infected," the Health Department noted.
For those who suspect they have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms, the department advises staying home to prevent spreading the virus. Individuals should call their healthcare provider or the Midland Health Department before visiting a medical facility to arrange testing while minimizing exposure risks. Monitoring for symptoms should continue for up to 21 days after exposure.
"Vaccination is the best protection against measles," according to the Health Department. They offer the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine for unvaccinated individuals and encourage residents to verify their immunization records with their healthcare providers.
Symptoms of measles typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, Koplik spots inside the mouth, and a red rash starting on the face that spreads downward. People with measles are contagious from four days before until four days after rash onset.
Regarding immunity, individuals born before 1957 are generally considered immune. Those vaccinated with two doses of MMR are also protected. Vaccination shortly before or after exposure may prevent or lessen severity in some cases. For high-risk groups like pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, immune globulin administered within six days of exposure might help prevent infection.
For more details on measles or updates on this case, visit the Midland Health Department's website or contact them directly at 432-681-7613.