BREAKING: Delaware confirms first case of measles in over a decade - WBOC TV

What the report says

WBOC TV 16 reports that the Delaware Division of Public Health has confirmed the state’s first measles case in more than 10 years. According to the agency, the patient is an unvaccinated man from Kent County who tested positive on July 20. State health officials said they are working to trace contacts and identify people who may have been exposed.

The public health response includes checking whether exposed people have been vaccinated and providing information about measles and prevention. DPH is urging Delaware residents to review their own vaccination records and those of their children. WBOC reports that residents can use the DelVAX Public Portal or contact a primary care provider to verify immunization status.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose and pink eye, followed by a rash that usually appears several days later and begins on the face before spreading. The virus can spread through respiratory droplets and through the air, and DPH says it may remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. Serious complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation and death.

DPH advises anyone with possible symptoms to contact a health care provider promptly and to warn the provider or transport personnel about a possible measles exposure before arriving at a medical facility. The agency says two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are 97% effective for people who are not severely immunocompromised, and it encourages anyone missing a dose to get vaccinated through pharmacies, health centers, medical providers or public health clinics.