Will Iowa Kids Avoid U.S. Measles Outbreak?
Over 100 cases of measles have been reported in 21 United States, including Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri. So far, the Iowa Dept Public Health reports an "all-clear" for measles cases in our state. That could change at any time as the U.S. is seeing a resurgence of measles cases in kids who have not been vaccinated.
Measles is one of the most contagious infections known to exist. Measles is caused by breathing in a virus carried on droplets from other people’s coughs and sneezes. People can spread measles for several days before they get the rash until several days after the rash develops.
Signs and symptoms begin to appear within three weeks after being infected. The rash usually appears about 14 days after being infected. You may first notice a child will have a cough, runny nose, and nasal congestion, followed by fever and a red rash all over the body. Left untreated, measles can lead to pneumonia, swelling in the brain and even death.
For vaccination information, call the Iowa Dept Public Health at 1-800 362-2736.