(Spirit Lake)– Public health officials continue to monitor a measles outbreak which so far has been pretty much relegated to southern Iowa. Brandi Larsen is the Director of Population and Public Health at Dickinson County Public Health…
“As of August 24th there were 17 confirmed cases with evidence of person-to-person spread, but the best thing people can do is make sure that they and their children are up to date on their MMR vaccination.”
Larsen says boosters for those who are older and received the vaccine as a child, shouldn’t be needed…
“People who received their recommended MMR vaccination series are considered to be protected for a lifetime and they do not routinely need a booster. People born before 1957 are generally considered to have immunity, but again if anyone is unsure of their vaccination history they should talk with their healthcare provider or give us a call here at public health.”
Larsen says it remains to be seen whether there will be any additional spread with the start of school underway…
“Iowa does require two doses of the MMR vaccine for children for K-12. There is always cases where exemptions exist, but it’s a good time for families to check their records rather than wait for a local exposure.”
Again, she encourages anyone with questions to contact their healthcare provider or Dickinson County Public Health.
