Clearwater, Fla.-(Newsradio 970 WFLA)-The Pinellas County Department of Heath is reporting four new measles cases in unvaccinated children. The number of cases in Pinellas now stands at seven. Pinellas had not previously seen measles since 1998.
These latest individuals with measles are reported to have had contact with the first person who contracted the virus when it was announced on August 13th. All the individuals with measles in Pinellas are no longer contagious, but health workers continue to investigate.
All residents and visitors who have not been vaccinated for the measles are being urged to get the shots. Measles is a highly contagious and potentially dangerous disease, but can be prevented by the vaccine.
Measles is spread through air droplets when infected people breathe, sneeze or cough. Symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A red rash usually appears within three to five days after the first symptoms.
Graphic courtesy Pinellas County Health Department