Seminole County woman confirmed positive for measles
A Seminole County, FL resident has been confirmed positive for measles, according to a Florida Department of Health in Seminole County news release Feb. 28.
Officials say the patient is a 39-year-old woman who is currently at home and recovering.
The health department is conducting active routine surveillance to find any other potential cases.
Measles is a rare infectious disease reported in Florida. In 2012, only one case was reported.
Measles is one of the most infectious of all communicable diseases, and is spread by coughing and sneezing.
Measles or rubeola, is an acute highly communicable viral disease that is characterized by Koplik spots in the cheek or tongue very early in the disease. A couple of days later a red blotchy rash appears first on the face, and then spreads, lasting 4-7 days. Other symptoms include fever, cough and red watery eyes. The patient may be contagious from four days prior to the rash appearance to four days after rash appearance.
The disease is more severe in infants and adults. Complications from measles which is reported in up to 20% of people infected include; seizures, pneumonia, deafness and encephalitis.
Prevention of measles is through vaccination.
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[…] a follow up to a story two weeks ago, a second measles case has been confirmed in Seminole County, Florida, according to an […]