COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. -- Health officials say an adult male has been diagnosed with a case of the measles in Collier County.
According to health officials, measles is a serious, contagious respiratory disease caused by the measles virus.
The disease is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing.A typical case of measles begins with mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and sore throat. People who develop these symptoms should contact their health care provider right away.
"The best way to protect yourself and others against measles is to get vaccinated,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. Celeste Philip. “This case serves as a reminder for all residents to check their immunization records or contact their primary care provider's office to make sure they are up to date on the measles vaccine as well as all recommended vaccines."
Collier health officials are working to limit potential exposure and protect the community in this case. Public health officials will notify persons with exposure risks.
Children are urged to be immunized against measles with the combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) vaccine.
That vaccine has been the center of controversy in recent years, with some believing the vaccine causes autism. However, numerous in-depth studies have all concluded that there is no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
