The Todd County Health Department has announced that there is a confirmed case of measles that was identified in a Todd County resident.
Investigation determined that resident had recently traveled to an international location where there is ongoing measles transmission taking place. The Todd County Health Department is continuing their investigation and will be conducting contact tracing to identify any individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
Measles is a respiratory virus that is highly contagious—it can cause serious health complications, especially in infants and young children. Measles is, however, preventable through safe and effective vaccination, and two doses of the vaccine can provide lifetime protection.
The virus spreads through the air and can survive for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area. Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after contact and include a high fever, cough, runny nose, water eyes and the characteristic measles rash.