Oklahoma officials investigating first possible case of measles in 2019

OklahomaHealth
Collaborator: Brittany Harlow
Published: 05/15/2019, 12:18 PM
Edited: 03/11/2021, 10:22 AM
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(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) The Oklahoma State Department of Health told VNN the agency is investigating 2019’s first possible case of measles on Wednesday. “We are currently conducting an investigation, and are awaiting test results,” OSDH spokesperson Jamie Dukes said. “We have no confirmation at this time.” The news comes amidst breakouts nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said more than 800 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 23 states so far this year, the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 1994 and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. According to OSDH, measles is a highly contagious rash disease that is spread from person-to-person by airborne droplets. People who are susceptible to measles usually develop symptoms about 10 days after exposure with a range of 7-21 days. Symptoms of measles begin with a mild to moderate fever, runny nose, red eyes, and cough. A few days later, a rash appears starting on the face spreading to the rest of the body accompanied by a fever that can reach up to 105 degrees. Measles can lead to pneumonia and other complications, especially in young children and adults over 20. The disease can also cause serious problems in pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Stay with VNN for updates.

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