Collier County, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health in Collier County has confirmed a local case of measles in an adult male. Local health officials are working to limit potential exposure and protect the community. Public health officials will notify persons with exposure risks. Measles is a serious, contagious respiratory disease caused by the measles virus.

“Measles is a very serious disease. The best way to protect yourself and others against measles is to get vaccinated,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. Celeste Philip. “This case serves as a reminder for all residents to check their immunization records or contact their primary care provider's office to make sure they are up to date on the measles vaccine as well as all recommended vaccines."

The disease is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. A typical case of measles begins with mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and sore throat. People who develop these symptoms should contact their health care provider right away. For more information on measles, please visit www.floridahealth.gov

Measles is very rare in countries and regions of the world that are able to keep vaccination coverage high. There are still sporadic cases of measles in the United States because visitors from other countries or U.S. citizens traveling abroad can become infected before or during travel and spread the infection to unvaccinated or unprotected persons.

Children should be immunized against measles with the combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) vaccine. Children should receive two doses, with the first at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at four to six years of age. Adolescents and adults may require two doses of MMR and people with underlying health conditions should discuss additional booster doses with their health care provider to determine need. The department encourages all Floridians who have not been immunized to get vaccinated.

For more information, visit www.floridahealth.gov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measles webpage is available at www.cdc.gov.

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The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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