Health Officials Confirm Measles Case in Olmsted County

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A case of measles has been confirmed in Olmsted County.

Olmsted County Public Health Services says the infection was found in a child under the age of five. A news release says the patient is exhibiting symptoms and has a recent history of international travel.

Health Officials Working to Identify Possible Exposures

County health officials are currently working with the Minnesota Department of Health to contact anyone who may have been exposed to the child. Officials say anyone who has not been vaccinated against the disease or has never had measles is most at risk and should monitor for symptoms.

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The news release says the initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically spreads from the head to the rest of the body. The rash usually appears two to three days after the fever begins.

Measles Virus Can Linger in the Air for Up to Two Hours

Anyone who develops symptoms is urged to contact their healthcare provider before going to a clinic to ensure that steps are taken to prevent the accidental exposure of other people to measles. Health officials note that measles spreads easily by coughing, sneezing, or even being in the same room with someone who has the disease. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Olmsted County Public Health Services is encouraging people to check their immunization records to confirm that they and their children have received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. It is normally administered when a child is 12 to 15 months of age, followed by a second dose at four to six years of age.

The Minnesota Department of Health previously reported 20 confirmed cases of measles in the state this year. Nearly all of those cases were in the Twin Cities area and involved unvaccinated people and many were linked to international travel.

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