Health officials say they are not sure how measles have been spreading in the Southwest Georgia region recently
Southwest District Public Health officials say measles are still very much a concern in the region
/ Sarah Bleau
ALBANY, GA -- In Monday's Facebook Story of the Day, viewers asked if measles are still a concern in the community. Southwest Georgia Public Health officials say it is.
Indiana health officials recently confirmed 14 cases of measles. They say the outbreak stems from an initial case that was reported Feb. 17 by the City of Noblesville where the individual lives and works.
The Dougherty County Health Center says there have been outbreaks in the Southwest Georgia region as well.
"There have been some recent outbreaks throughout the community; not certain as to how the outbreaks occur whether it's unvaccinated people or people traveling from other countries where the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine is not required," says Immunization Coordinator Suzette Profit.
Health officials say children should get two doses of the MMR vaccine: The first when they’re one year old and the second between the ages of four and six.
Measles is a contagious disease that's spread through coughing, sneezing or talking, according to health officials. They say Measles causes rash, cough, runny nose, eye irritation and fever, which can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and sometimes death.
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