TriCounty Health Department confirmed on Tuesday an increase in local cases of measles. According to the announcement, there have been 10 additional measles infections since March 5th, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the area to 15. “If you believe you were exposed or have symptoms of measles, take action to prevent spreading it to others,” shares the announcement. “Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. A rash usually appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. The rash often starts on the face and then spreads to the chest and arms. Call your doctor before going to a clinic or hospital and tell them about your symptoms so they can give you instructions and help prevent the virus from spreading…Due to the highly contagious nature of this virus and the lengthy incubation period, TriCounty Health asks for community cooperation in preventing the spread. Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after a person is exposed, but can appear up to 21 days later. A person with measles can spread the virus to others four days before the rash appears and four days after it starts.” Visit www.tricountyhealthut.gov for the entire announcement.
