Seven Measles Cases Confirmed in Florida

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) has reported 4 additional measles cases in Pinellas County.

These new cases increase the number of confirmed measles cases to 7 since the initial case was reported on August 13, 2018.

Local health officials say these cases are no longer contagious.

Prior to these cases, measles had not been reported in Pinellas County since 1998, said DOH-Pinellas.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most measles cases in the USA are related to international travel.

This means most measles cases are brought back to the USA by unvaccinated people who get infected during a trip to a measles endemic country.

Upon returning home, an infected person spreads measles to others.

To alert international travelers, the CDC has issued measles Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions for various countries.

Recently, endemic transmission of the measles virus was re-established in Venezuela, reported the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in a press release.

Additionally, 10 countries in South America, besides Venezuela, have reported 1,459 confirmed cases of measles and 6 deaths since the outbreak in Venezuela began.

“We continue to encourage parents to fully vaccinate their children,” said DOH-Pinellas Director Dr. Ulyee Choe, an infectious disease specialist. “Measles is a highly contagious disease that can have serious complications for babies and children.’

Local healthcare providers are asked to immediately report suspected cases of measles to DOH-Pinellas at PinellasHealth.com.

Unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles may be excluded for up to 21 days from public places, such as school and work where they could infect others.

The best way to protect yourself and those you love against measles is to get vaccinated, says DOH-Pinellas.

Two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine are recommended routinely for children. Adults should be vaccinated with at least 1 dose of MMR vaccine and a 2nd dose recommended for those at higher risk such as international travelers and health care workers.

International travelers can easily request a vaccination appointment with a pharmacy at Vax-Before-Travel.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides the private sector vaccine prices for general information.

And, measles vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.

For further information about measles in Florida, please visit floridahealth.gov/measles.