Two children from the same household who went into Baptist Health’s main campus emergency room on Jan. 16 have been confirmed to have measles.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two children from the same household who went into Baptist Health’s main campus emergency room on Jan. 16 have been confirmed to have measles, a spokesperson for the hospital shared with First Coast News Friday.
The spokesperson said the kids were treated and sent home without being admitted into the hospital, adding that the risk of infection from exposure in the facility is “very low.”
The spokesperson further stated that the hospital has shared names of anyone who may have been exposed to the disease with the Department of Health. They said the DOH will contact those individuals directly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes measles as a “highly contagious disease that can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old.”
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny red spots appears.
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The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine has proven to be the safest way to combat measles.
The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, and a second dose between four and six years of age. For babies aged 6-11 months traveling internationally, the CDC recommends a single dose of the MMR vaccine before travel, followed by two additional doses after their first birthday.
Measures can be taken to combat measles if you or someone you know is suspected of having caught measles.
First, contact a health provider, but do not go in-person to risk its spread. Call ahead to develop the necessary next steps.
Visit the Florida Department of Health in Duval County to seek the nearest vaccine clinic or healthcare provider, or contact the Georgia Coastal Health District.
Learn more about measles and the vaccine by clicking these respective links.