Panic in US State: Child Contracts Deadly Measles Virus 

Image credits: abc11.com

United States: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services notified about a child from Mecklenburg County has been identified with measles and has become the first case reported in North Carolina in years. 

More about the report 

The NCDHHS said that the child was likely exposed to measles infection while traveling out of the country. 

As the report stated, the parents have kept the child in isolation at home after returning from abroad to North Carolina, except by making a visit to a medical clinic for a check-up. 

According to Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington, “Measles infections are preventable. Most Mecklenburg County residents are vaccinated against measles and are not at high risk,” abc11.com reported. 

“This case further demonstrates the critical need for all families to ensure their kids are up to date with measles and other childhood immunizations,” Washington continued. 

What more have the officials reported? 

As per the NCDHHS’ Division of Public Health, they have been working with the Mecklenburg County Health Department to monitor the case situation. 

As experts note, measles is very contagious and spreads via coughs or sneezes from the infected. 

As NCDHHS pointed out, measles could also spread to a healthy person by just being present in the room, even two hours later, which had been occupied by the infected person. 

The disease could cause major complications, such as pneumonia or encephalitis, in children younger than five years of age. 

As per the State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo-Tilson, “Measles is on the rise globally and in the U.S.,” and “Parents, schools, early childhood education providers and health care providers should work to ensure everyone is up to date with their measles vaccinations,” abc11.com reported.