Alabama Health Officials Issue Measles Warning

The measles outbreak has now claimed six lives in Pennsylvania. It is a very scary situation. We now have word from the Alabama Department of Public Health that Alabama may have a measles case. The report mentions the case being in the Huntsville/Bailey Cove area.

A private laboratory confirmed to ADPH that an individual tested positive for measles. The individual, also an international traveler, visited the Huntsville/Bailey Cove area while infectious. That individual was a customer at a Subway restaurant on Bailey Cove Rd. in Huntsville. That person was also a customer at a Publix store on Bailey Cove Rd. within the same few days in October. The Alabama Department of Public Health recommends that anyone who was present at the restaurant or store on October 4th, 5th, or 6th check their vaccination status and closely monitor for measles symptoms.

Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory illness that spreads through respiratory droplets when someone with measles sneezes or coughs. If exposed, unvaccinated people have a 90% chance of becoming infected. Common symptoms of measles include high fever (which can spike above 104), cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a rash. In the United States, measles cases often originate from international travel.

Because of the serious measles outbreak in Pennsylvania, it is important to follow news about any measles developments.