Measles outbreak spreads across the nation

From Local 3 News: As of late February, the CDC says the number of measles cases in the United states has reached 93. Most cases are affecting unvaccinated children between five and nineteen years old. One fourth of those has resulted in hospitalization, and on Wednesday, Texas reported the first death from the virus in over a decade. 

What we're seeing now is not uncommon. Dr. Gary Voccio, health director of the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District.

"In 1990, we had 28,000 cases of measles here in the United States, and then in 2000, we declared it eliminated, but still, since 2000, we've had a few dozen cases on and off since that time,” Voccio says.

We've seen the virus emerge in eight states, including Georgia.

Dr. Voccio says his states' lower vaccination rate is concerning and may play a role in the number of cases they're seeing. He says his Georgia has an 88% vaccination rate, which is lower than the country’s herd immunity. 

“It’s very troubling to me as a health professional and a public health doctor,” he says.

Tennessee has a 95% vaccination rate.

Voccio says it's important for everyone to take precautions. The CDC recommends all children get two doses of the MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12-15 months old, and the second dose at 4-6 years old.

"These vaccines save lives,” he says. “They are highly protective, and I strongly recommend parents make sure their children are vaccinated."

The CDC says measles can cause serious complications, especially in younger children.

"Similar to all viruses, it is aerosolized in the atmosphere. Somebody breathes it in,” he explains.

A person can still get sick even if they have been vaccinated or haven't been in direct contact with somebody affected. Voccio says the measles virus stays activated and infectious anywhere from two to four hours, and whether a person gets infected depends on two things: how contagious the contact was and if the person has any immune deficiencies.

If you're infected, Dr. Voccio says you won't feel the effects until one or two weeks after making contact. He says you can expect to have a fever, runny nose or red eyes in the first few days, among other symptoms.

"Three to five days after those symptoms begin, they [infected people] get spots in their mouth called Koplik spots, and they're very particular to the measles,” he explains. “They're little white spots and specks inside the childrens' mouth."

In the days following, you'll notice changes on your skin.

"Then, the rash occurs about seven days to a week after. It’s this diffused, red, flattened rash throughout the body.”

The Mayo Clinic says while there isn’t a specific treatment or cure for measles once it occurs, there are ways to alleviate symptoms until the virus clears out of the system. 

If you suspect you’ve been exposed to measles, it’s best to contact your doctor immediately. Dr. Voccio hopes everyone will take the threat of measles seriously and do what they can to prevent further spread.