File Picture – Measles rash | Picture: CDC
(The Heart Sq.) – A well being division physician mentioned the general public shouldn’t be scared because the measles outbreak has unfold past Chicago to Lake and McHenry counties.
Dr. Dan Garganera, infectious illness specialist with the Will County Well being Division, mentioned the unfold is sluggish.
“Don’t be scared,” Garganera mentioned. “It is a illness that’s controllable with the MMR vaccine.”
The Will County and Lake County well being departments, which every reported their county’s first case previously week, are at present engaged on contract tracing to stem the unfold.
Chicago has reported 33 complete circumstances of measles.
Chicago mom Jessica Coletti informed ABC7 that her 3-year-old son Vincent got here down with measles 10 days in the past.
“I’ve by no means seen him so sick,” she informed ABC7. Coletti mentioned her son just isn’t enrolled at school. She had no thought how he might have grow to be contaminated.
Unvaccinated infants and kids, pregnant ladies, and immunocompromised persons are most inclined on this outbreak, Garganera mentioned.
They’re suggested to avoid individuals who could have been uncovered to somebody with measles.
9 out of 10 unvaccinated people who find themselves uncovered to measles will get the illness.
Greater than 90% of Will County youngsters have been vaccinated with MMR after they have been one 12 months previous, so they’re protected, Garganera mentioned.
Measles signs could not seem till 10 to 14 days after publicity to somebody who’s contaminated.
Signs begin with a cough and a excessive fever. Youngsters could develop pink eye or white spots on the within of their mouths.
4 days later, an itchy, blotchy rash seems on the pinnacle and neck.
The rash then strikes to the arms, physique, and legs. Most individuals get well after 10 days. One out of 1,000 people who find themselves contaminated are liable to mind infections and even dying.
A measles an infection throughout being pregnant could cause miscarriage, untimely delivery and low delivery weight.
Pregnant ladies can’t be vaccinated for measles till after they’ve delivered the infant.
Undecided when you’ve got been vaccinated? Ask your health-care supplier if the MMR, which stands for measles, mumps, and rubella, vaccine is in your information. The MMR vaccine is simple to get. Most pediatricians preserve a provide of their places of work.
Folks with questions can name the Lake County Well being Division at 847-377-8130.