JACKSON, Tenn. — On March 21, one case of measles was confirmed in Middle Tennessee, and almost a week later another case was confirmed in Shelby County.

We have information on how you can you prevent the spread and remain healthy.

“Kids really are the most vulnerable and it could be because they’re not old enough yet to get it [the MMR vaccine]. Especially babies, you don’t get the MMR until you’re 12 months old. So babies are particularly vulnerable and then young kids get their second dose [around] four to six years,” said Ginger Rowsey, public information officer for the Jackson-Madison County Health Department.

Those who are immunocompromised are at risk.

“Measles is so contagious that if you’re in a room up to two hours after a person who had measles was in that room you can still get measles. So you don’t have to have close contact with an individual to get it, if you’re not protected. The best way to protect yourself from measles is to get the MMR — Measles Mumps Rubella — vaccine,” said Rowsey.

There are some symptoms to look for.

“We talk about the symptoms of measles, what you’re going to see first is a high fever, a cough, runny nose. After a few days you might start to see that rash that we think about with measles. It starts on the head and moves down through the body,” said Rowsey.

Some side effects of untreated measles can be brain swelling or pneumonia. One in five people affected with measles may become hospitalized and one in one thousand may die from this infection. If you are worried that you or someone you know is infected, call your doctor.

“If you are worried that you or your child may have measles, call your primary care physician — don’t go to the doctors office. Call first. Because you do need to isolate if you do think you have measles,” said Rowsey.

For those who already have the MMR vaccine you are less likely to become sick. However, if you do not have the vaccine it may be beneficial to receive it.

“The MMR vaccine — Measles Mumps Rubella —  is highly effective. No vaccine, of course, is perfect, but we’re looking at 97% effectiveness when you’re up to date on both doses,” said Rowsey.

Immunization is the best way to prevent the spread of measles. If you are unsure if you have received the MMR vaccine or immunization status contact your doctor or the Jackson-Madison County Health Department.

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