(Milford)– Local public health officials are continuing to closely monitor for any signs of a possible Measles outbreak.
A case of Measles was confirmed in a young child Friday night. Health officials say that same child had visited various locations in Jackson, Lakefield, Spirit Lake and Spencer between August 20th and 26th, potentially exposing an unknown number of people to the illness.
Mary Dunleavy of Dickinson County Public Health says a few people attended a Measles vaccination clinic held Saturday. An additional clinic is being held until 8:00 p.m. this (Monday 8/31)evening at Lakes Regional Healthcare’s Community Health Service on Highway 71 in north Milford.
Dunleavy says as of this (Monday 8/31) no additional confirmed cases of Measles had been reported, but she said there are some suspect cases in Jackson county.
Dunleavy urges anyone who feels they may have been exposed or are actually exhibiting symptoms of Measles to contact their physician immediately. Symptoms include a runny nose, high fever (usually 102 degrees or so), red eyes, cough, and a rash that moves from various parts of the body. Dunleavy says symptoms usually last from one to two weeks.
Dunleavy says you should CALL your physician if you’re exhibiting those symptoms–do NOT go to the clinic or Doctor’s Office unless you have specific instructions from your physician.
Dunleavy adds Measles is a disease to be taken seriously. Complications can include diarrhea, ear infection, pneumonia, brain swelling and even death.
