ASRN Staff

Florida has reported 11 measles cases so far this year so far, according to the Florida State Health Department. That's higher than what it's reported for the last 10 years. All 11 cases involve people who were not vaccinated.

“The measles vaccine is the only way to prevent infection. All persons born after 1957 should receive the vaccine,” said the health department.

The measles MMR vaccine, which is a combination to avert measles, mumps and rubella, has two doses. The first dose is recommended for infants between 12 and 15 months old. The second dose is recommended for children between the ages of 4 and 6, before they enter school.

More than 120 measles cases have been reported nationwide, according to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s compared to 118 cases last year and 86 case the year before.

This year’s numbers are still far below the record 667 cases that were reported in 2014, the highest number documented since the elimination of measles in 2000.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the mucus of the nose and throat of the infected person.

The illness usually begins with a high fever, coughing, runny nose and red, watery eyes. But the hallmark sign of the infection is a rash with tiny spots that appear in the mouth and face, then the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.

There’s no treatment for measles other than the management of symptoms until the virus runs its course. Most patients recover, but the virus can lead to complications in some, including children younger than 5 and adults older than 20.