It’s the largest measles outbreak on record since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. More than 680 measles cases have been reported so far this year in 22 states, including Florida.
According to the SunSentinel, a measles case was reported in both Broward County and Pinellas County.
Florida’s Department of Health is urging people living in the state, including visitors, to get vaccinated. They said it’s the best way to protect you and your family from the highly contagious disease.
According FDOH, measles can spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. Symptoms generally begin a week or two after someone is exposed to the disease. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and rash.
If you experience those symptoms, see your doctor right away. That's because if you do get the measles, FDOH said there’s no particular way to treat it.
The Center of Disease Control said the majority of people who got measles were unvaccinated. The CDC urges everyone from young to old to get vaccinated, especially those who plan to travel internationally.
As of now, there’s not an outbreak in Florida because three or more measles cases would have to be reported. However, there are other states experiencing outbreaks such as New York and California. The CDC said these outbreaks are linked to travelers who brought the measles back from other countries like Israel, Ukraine and the Philippines.
They expect more cases to pop up in the upcoming weeks.
