Measles cases on the rise, Triad doctor talks prevention

Описание: North Carolina health officials are warning residents to stay alert after a person with a presumed case of measles traveled through the Gastonia area, raising concerns about potential exposure.

State leaders say the case comes as measles cases across the United States have reached their highest level since the second dose of MMR vaccine became widely used in the 1990s, a trend health experts say is being driven largely by declining vaccination rates.

Doctors in the Triad say measles is one of the most contagious infections known, spreading through coughing, sneezing and even breathing the same air as an infected person.

“Measles is a scary illness in that it is very contagious — very contagious,” Dr. Nicholas Preziosi with Novant Health said.

Health officials say the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. Because of that, anyone who may have been exposed is being asked to monitor their health through January 16.

Doctors say early symptoms often resemble the flu or COVID-19, making the illness difficult to recognize at first. Initial symptoms may include a cough, runny nose, sore throat and small spots around the mouth.

“You won’t really know until that rash develops a few days later that starts on the head and moves down to the rest of the body,” a Dr. Preziosi explained.

Health experts say the most effective protection against measles is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. They say lower vaccination rates have made it easier for the virus to spread when a case enters a community.

“With fewer individuals getting vaccinated, we’re not hitting herd immunity numbers,” Dr. Preziosi said. “So when a case comes to town, there are more people catching it.”

The MMR vaccine is first introduced to patients at the age of 1, and again at 4 years old.

Doctors emphasize that the MMR vaccine is one of the most studied vaccines in the world and provides strong, long-term protection.

State health officials urge anyone who believes they may have been exposed or who is experiencing symptoms not to walk directly into a doctor’s office or emergency room. Instead, they recommend calling a medical provider or local health department first so precautions can be taken to prevent further spread.