Ask An Expert: Measles Cases in Madison County
JACKSON, Tenn. — WBBJ spoke with Shanna Shearon, the Regional Epidemiologist at Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department on Monday shortly after learning about the cases. Some of her answers to questions about these measles cases are below. HOW MANY CASES ARE THERE? “We are investigating two possible measles cases in Madison County. Contacts have been made. All procedures have been followed.” “Everything has been done with those possible cases and their contacts. Everyone has been prophylaxed. That’s what we need to do right now. We are kind of waiting and trying to educate as we can.” WHAT IF I HAVE NOT BEEN IMMUNIZED? “People who are exposed to positive measles cases can actually get post exposure prophylaxis. Which is the MMR shot up to 72 hours after being exposed. IF PEOPLE ARE VACCINATED, DO THEY NEED TO WORRY? “Most people who are immunized and supposed to get two doses, is what causes you immunity as well as being exposed to the measles, if you’ve actually had the disease.” WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M NOT IMMUNIZED? “It’s always a good thing to be immunized against these preventable diseases, we are seeing a rise in. you can talk to a physician or contact the health department about setting you up with an MMR.” WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? “You have to be exposed to someone who is infectious with the disease. Early symptoms include a fever, along with a cough a lot of times, body aches.” HOW DO I GET THE DISEASE? “You have to get exposed by someone who is infectious with the measles. It is highly contagious, so you have to be careful with that.” “You will start out with a fever, fatigue and a cough. You will have a rash a few days after the symptoms start.” “A lot of times, these diseases come back. Especially with international travel, and then the people who are not immune to the disease.”
