In the United States, health officials have reported a case of measles in a child under one year old. The disease was contracted through international travel, and the child returned to the United States via a Chicago-area airport before traveling to Ohio by car. The Butler County General Health District (BCGHD) has not disclosed any additional details about the affected individual but is working to notify close contacts of their exposure status.
Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and rash, and there is no specific treatment for the disease. Health officials stress the importance of immunization in preventing measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. In the US, the MMR vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated individuals aged one year and older, with children receiving their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose at four to six years of age.
The BCGHD advises anyone who is uncertain about their vaccination status or experiencing measles symptoms to contact a healthcare provider. Vaccination appointments can be scheduled through BCGHD, and more information about measles can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. It’s crucial for individuals to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from measles as it can lead to severe complications if left untreated or if contracted by someone with a weakened immune system.