JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Baptist Health has confirmed two pediatric measles cases in Jacksonville.<\/p>\n
According to a press release from the health system, the two children, who live in the same household, sought emergency care at Baptist Health\u2019s main campus on Jan. 16.<\/p>\n
Hospital officials said both children received appropriate treatment and were sent home without needing hospital admission.<\/p>\n
Baptist Health shared this statement:<\/p>\n
\u201cBaptist Health remains deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our patients and team members. We have shared the names of anyone who may have been exposed with the Department of Health (DOH). The DOH will contact those individuals directly.<\/p>\n
We want to assure you that the risk of infection from exposure within our facility is very low, because our team of pediatric Emergency Center specialists is expertly prepared and ready to care for these children and our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Measles is an airborne infection that can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. <\/p>\n
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, including high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Then, a rash of tiny red spots appears. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.<\/p>\n
The Florida Department of Health in Duval County said it cannot comment on the specifics of an ongoing epidemiological investigation, but shared the following with News4JAX:<\/p>\n
When a communicable disease is reported in the county, DOH-Duval immediately initiates an epidemiological investigation to protect the public\u2019s health.<\/p>\n
If an individual is experiencing symptoms of measles, they are advised to not abruptly visit a health care provider without contacting them ahead of time. Instead, they should contact their health care provider or local county health department to receive instructions on how to safely seek medical attention without exposing others.<\/p>\n
Florida Department of Health in Duval County<\/p>\n
Dr. Shalika Katugaha, system medical director of infectious diseases at Baptist Medical, explained that measles symptoms can be more severe in children.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren younger than 5 years are at the highest risk for complications and death. So children do experience it more severely than adults,\u201d Katugaha said.<\/p>\n
Infants younger than 12 months face significantly higher risks for severe complications.<\/p>\n
Katugaha explained why this is the case. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe mom\u2019s antibodies wane in these children, and they are ineligible for routine vaccines before 9 to 12 months of age,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
Measles is highly contagious and can be contracted by other family members, including children and adults.<\/p>\n
To help protect families, the local Department of Health is offering immunizations.<\/p>\n
DOH-Duval will hold a \u201cPop-Up\u201d Immunization Clinic on Sunday, Feb. 1, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Regency Library, 9300 Regency Square Boulevard. Vaccines available include MMR, influenza, and hepatitis A.<\/p>\n
Immunizations are also available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at these locations:<\/p>\n
515 W. 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206<\/p>\n
3225 University Blvd. South, Jacksonville, FL 32216<\/p>\n
Walk-ins are welcome, or appointments can be made by calling 904-253-1130.<\/p>\n
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine: the first at 12\u201315 months of age and the second at 4\u20136 years. <\/p>\n
For infants aged 6\u201311 months who will be traveling internationally, the CDC recommends one MMR dose before departure, followed by two additional doses after the child\u2019s first birthday (according to the routine schedule).<\/p>\n
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