Measles case confirmed in North Platte

A case of the Measles has been confirmed in the area, according to the West Central District Health Department.

According to a statement issued by the department on Saturday a joint investigation between WCDHD and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services identified several public exposures in Lincoln County.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing.

The statement said that persons known to be exposed to the virus are being notified but individuals who were at the following locations during certain time frames may have been exposed:

Madison Middle School on April 1-10New Life Church Youth Group from 6-10:30 p.m. on April 5Great Plains Health Emergency Room from 6 p.m. on April 10 until 2:30 a.m. on April 11Precise Medical Care from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on April 11Pathology Services in the Great Plains Health Pavilion from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on April 11

Those who were infected at these locations may develop symptoms up to 21 days after exposure, according to WCDHD. Early symptoms of Measles include:

FeverRunny NoseCoughRed eyesSore ThroatRash

This image, provided by the CDC, shows a rash caused by measles up close.

If a person believes they were infected and has symptoms of the measles, they need to contact their healthcare provider right away. WCDHD advises that patients tell their doctor they believe they have measles before going to the doctor's office in order to reduce the spread of the virus.

Measles is highly contagious

Individuals who have had measles in the past or who were adequately vaccinated are protected against the virus. According to WCDHD, people born prior to 1957 are considered immune because most people at that time had been infected with measles as children. People under 40 who were compliant with school entry vaccine requirements and had two doses of MMR have a very low risk of developing the virus, however those who were non-compliant are at high risk if they are exposed.

It is recommended that healthcare personel and people who frequently travel internationally have two doses of MMR vaccine. Adults born during or after 1957 that cannot confirm that they've had both doses of the vaccine should consider getting a dose to minimize their risk of catching measles, according to WCDHD.

The department said that preschool children 12 months or older should have had at least one dose of vaccine. Babies less than a year old are two young to be vaccinated and should be closely monitored for symptoms.

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