WOOD RIVER — In the wake of a confirmed case of measles in Madison County the Health Department is releasing additional information about potential exposures to inform the public about what steps they should take.
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People who have been vaccinated against measles are considered immune to or protected from the illness, as vaccination is 97% effective against measles. Most Illinois residents have been vaccinated against measles, but people who are not immune may be at risk if they were in proximity to someone with measles.
Infants are not usually immunized until 12 months of age which means that young infants are at greater risk of infection. Infants and young children who are not immunized are also at higher risk of severe diseases if infected.
The location (below) is where exposures to measles may have occurred:
- Salt + Smoke 410 N Main St, Edwardsville, between 6 and 10 p.m. Thursday September 10.
Anyone who visited this location during that time frame should be monitoring themselves for 21 days from the day they were potentially exposed for symptoms of measles, such as fever, cough, runny nose, pink-eye (conjunctivitis) and a rash that starts around the head/face and spreads through the rest of the body.
The chances of infection are minimal for those who are immune to measles either from vaccination or prior infection. If anyone exposed starts exhibiting measles symptoms, they should notify their medical provider.
If someone with measles symptoms needs to be seen in person by a health care professional, they should notify their provider or health facility in advance so appropriate precautions can be taken to avoid additional exposures or spread of the illness.
Health care providers are reminded to immediately contact their local health department to report any suspected cases of measles; the health department can assist providers with arranging for testing and additional steps as needed.
The Madison County Health Department also reminds the general public to check on their vaccination status to make sure you are fully protected from measles. If you are not fully immune, but are eligible to get vaccinated, you should contact your provider or local health department to make arrangements to do so. Immunization remains the best protection against serious illness from measles and other communicable diseases.
For the most current information, visit madisonchd.org.
