Taking Precautions Against Measles!

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Norwegian-American Hospital

Measles is considered one of the most highly contagious viruses. For years, measles has been rare in the United States, thanks to immunization.  But recently, that has changed.  Outbreaks, mostly started by unimmunized people traveling from countries that have high outbreaks of measles,  have spread the infection to unimmunized people here.

Norwegian American Hospital is taking a proactive approach to address the potential spread of this virus and asks community members to get vaccinated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the measles vaccine is 95-99% effective in protecting you from contracting the measles.  If you or your family members have not been vaccinated or already had measles, call your primary care doctor to check availability of the vaccine and to schedule an appointment.  There are some age groups that should not receive the vaccine.

If you think you have measles or have been exposed, call your doctor or other healthcare provider before visiting to avoid spreading the virus to others. Measles spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include: fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes. This is followed by a rash that can spread all over the body.

Visit the CDC’s Measles website for more information, including photographs of people with measles and information on outbreaks and vaccination.

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