TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - The Florida Department of Health is urging residents to get vaccinated against measles after cases of the disease were reported among travelers who came to the state.
According to the department of health, four cases have been reported in the past two weeks among travelers who may have not been vaccinated. They said that two cases involved international travelers.
The department says that there are no confirmed cases among Florida residents, as of Monday. However, people who may have come in contact with the infected travelers were notified and are being counseled, according to department officials.
"The smartest step any resident can take to protect themselves against this growing health threat is to get vaccinated," said Dr. Alan Pillersdorf, President, Florida Medical Association.
The Florida Department of Health says that symptoms of measles generally begin approximately seven to 14 days after a person is exposed to someone with measles, and include the following:
- Blotchy rash
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Feeling run down, achy (malaise)
- Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik's spots)
For more information on measles, click here.
