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FARGO (KFGO) – After seeing 22 cases of measles in Minnesota Fargo Cass Public Health is encouraging everyone in North Dakota to make sure they are vaccinated against the measles as the possibility of an outbreak becomes more realistic.
Dr. Tracie Newman says Minnesota has had 22 confirmed cases of the virus recently. Other states have seen cases as well. Ohio had seventy-four.
Because measles is airborne and so contagious, Newman said getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting it.
“Measles is one of the most infectious viruses we know about,” Newman said. “If you’re in the same room with someone and not vaccinated, you can even get it after someone has left the room.”
Measles can carry a 50 percent hospitalization rate and children are most at-risk. Newman said, at one point, 40 percent of the children who contracted the virus became hospitalized.
It has been 10 years since North Dakota has seen a case of measles. Before that, Newman said it was decades since a case. However, with a hesitancy about vaccinations, it is becoming a concern to healthcare professionals.
Newman said everyone born after 1957 should have two doses of the measles vaccination to be fully protected.
Infected people can spread measles to others anywhere from 4 days before to 4 days after the rash appears.
Initial symptoms of measles include runny nose, cough, high fevers, and red, watery eyes. Other symptoms include small white spots inside of the cheeks appear, along with a red bumpy rash that starts on the face and spreads over the body.
“We urge every family to ensure their children are up-to-date on MMR vaccinations and to monitor carefully for any signs of a measles infection,” Newman said.
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