Missouri’s first case of measles has been confirmed in Taney County. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the case was discovered in a child visiting the area and associated with recent international travel. The child’s vaccination status has yet to be verified.
The health department states there is no indication of widespread exposure, and the child was diagnosed soon after arrival to Taney County. Exposure is believed to be limited, and known contacts have been identified and contacted.
The state health department is supporting the Taney County Health Department in the disease investigation and advising individuals with possible exposure. Those who believe they have measles or may have been exposed to the virus should isolate themselves and contact their health care provider before arriving to be tested. It is important to let the provider know the patient may have measles and to get instructions on how to visit the office for diagnosis without exposing other people to the virus.
More information about measles and county-level MMR vaccination rates can be found at Health.Mo.Gov/Measles.
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