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6 cases of measles confirmed in Memphis

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is urging Arkansans to be up-to-date on their Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine, and to be aware of the risks of measles, especially for the very young and people with a weakened immune system, including pregnant women.

Measles Test - Generic Image

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (ADH) – The Shelby County Health Department in Tennessee has confirmed six cases of measles in the Memphis area. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is urging Arkansans to be up-to-date on their Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine, and to be aware of the risks of measles, especially for the very young and people with a weakened immune system, including pregnant women.

Measles is a vaccine-preventable viral infection that starts with a high fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes, followed a few days later by a rash that starts on the head and gradually moves down the body. Measles can be very serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in four people in the U.S. who get measles will be hospitalized. One out of every 1,000 people with measles will develop brain swelling, which can lead to permanent brain damage, and one or two out of 1,000 people who get measles will die, even with medical care.

“Measles is a highly contagious disease,” said Dirk Haselow, MD, PhD, State Epidemiologist and Outbreak Response Medical Director for the Arkansas Department of Health. “To prevent outbreaks of measles, we need a 97% immunization rate to protect those who cannot get the vaccine or who are too young to be vaccinated. In Arkansas, only 88 percent of children in kindergarten have received the recommended 2 doses of MMR vaccine. That’s why we urge everyone to make sure they and their children are up-to-date on their vaccinations.”

Because measles is very contagious, ADH asks that you call ahead to your doctor or hospital before you go, if you suspect that you or your child has measles. If you are around a child less than one year of age, or someone who has a weakened immune system, you should make sure that your vaccinations are up-to-date.

The first dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months of age. The second dose should be given at four to six years of age. Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles. All adults born in 1957 or later should have at least one dose of MMR vaccine unless they have a medical reason to not receive the vaccine, or they should have a laboratory test that shows they have immunity to measles. Please contact your doctor or health care provider if you are unsure if you, or your child, are up-to-date on your vaccinations.

You can get a MMR shot from your health care provider or the Local Health Unit in your county. Local Health Unit locations and hours can be found at www.healthy.arkansas.gov. Walk-in appointments are available.

(Source: Arkansas Department of Health)

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