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Onslow County Health Department urges vaccination after out-of-county measles case
Summary
Onslow County Health Department reminded residents that measles is highly contagious and vaccine-preventable after a child who tested positive in the state lab traveled within North Carolina. The department said it offers MMR vaccinations and urged anyone behind on shots to get caught up.
Carson Custy, of the Onslow County Health Department, said public-health officials were notifying residents after a child who tested positive for measles at the state public health lab traveled within North Carolina.
"Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine preventable, virus," Custy said. He noted that virus particles can linger in an indoor space for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, which raises the risk of exposure for people who enter that space later.
The department reminded families that the standard MMR schedule gives a first dose at about 12 to 15 months and a second dose at about 4 to 6 years, and that the immunizations team at the Onslow County Health Department provides both doses. Custy added that people born before 1957 are generally considered to have natural immunity from earlier infection.
Residents with symptoms — such as cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and the characteristic rash — were asked to call their health provider before arriving so clinics can take steps to protect staff and other patients.
The health department said people who are behind the recommended schedule can be brought up to date and recommended families check vaccination status before travel and contact county immunization staff for questions or appointments.
