Special to the Leader & Times
Three new cases of measles have been confirmed in Morton County, linked to a previous case identified in Stevens County last week.
While measles is highly contagious, vaccination remains the best protection against illness and spread.
If you or your family are unsure of your vaccination status, now is a great time to check. Confirm you and your family members have two doses of measles vaccine; MMR is routinely given at 12-15 months and again at 4 years old. Even 1 vaccine will give about 93% protection.
Measles can linger in the air for up to two hours, so if you believe you’ve been exposed or have symptoms (fever, cough, rash), please CALL your healthcare provider.
If you develop symptoms:
• Isolate immediately by staying home (do not go to school or work) and avoid contact with others. (You can be contagious four days prior to a rash developing through 4 days after a rash appears)
• Call before going to going to a clinic or hospital, so they can prepare for your arrival to prevent the virus from spreading to others.
