TALLAHASSEE, FL. (WTXL) - Health workers have confirmed measles cases in 14 states across the country.
The Florida Health department has confirmed four cases of measles among people who have traveled through Florida. There have still been no confirmed cases of measles among Florida residents.
The department is working with state and federal officials to monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
Health officials say if you've gotten the measles vaccination, then you're at a low risk to contract the virus. The CDC is advising parents to have their children vaccinated for measles when they are one year old. A second dose should be administered between the ages of four and six.
Many health experts say the peek in cases has a great deal to do the recent trend of parents opting out of vaccinating their children. Local hospitals say they're prepared for any potential cases and that people need to take the virus seriously.
Dr. D. Paul Robinson, with the Tallahassee Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program says, "Measles is so infectious. 90% of people who are exposed that have not been immunized can develop the disease. There are protocols from the Center of Disease and Control that tell us exactly how to isolate people who contract the disease. I would say any hospital in Florida would know what to do."
The symptoms of measles can begin 7 to 14 days after a person is exposed to the disease. Symptoms include blotchy rash, fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and feeling achy. If you have any of these symptoms, you're urged to consult your doctor.
