An unimmunized Jacksonville child tested positive for measles, according to a release from the Florida Department of Health sent out last Friday.
According to hospital officials, the child was treated at Wolfson Children's Hospital. The release said:
"The safety of our patients, families and team members at Wolfson Children’s Hospital are top priority. A child was brought to Wolfson Children’s ER and was confirmed positive for measles by the Florida Department of Health."
Wolfson's said there is a low-risk for others who were in the ER at the same time as the patient in contracting measles especially if they have received the MMR vaccine.
All facilities visited by the child while it was infectious have been notified, according to the Department of Health.
The Department of Health encourages all parents to have their children immunized against measles with the first dose given between 12 to 15 months and the second dose given between four to six years old.
Symptoms of measles usually begin seven to 14 days after a person is exposed. Symptoms include:
- Blotchy rash
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Feeling run down, achy (malaise)
- Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)
For more information visit the CDC website.