May 26, 2011
(Charlottesville, Va.) Out of an abundance of caution, the Charlottesville-Albemarle Health Department is informing the public of two cases of measles because there may have been exposures in the community. One of the cases may have been infectious while at the following places on Friday, May 20, 2011:
- Charlottesville Waldorf School
- Areas at the Charlottesville Downtown Mall between 4:30 PM and 9:30 PM:
- Area outside the Paramount Theatre between 4:30 PM and 8:30 PM
- Marco & Luca Dumplings Store between 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM
- Chap’s Ice Cream between 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Measles is a highly contagious illness. It is spread through coughing, sneezing and contact with secretions from the nose, mouth and throat of an infected person.
Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery, red eyes and a cough. The second stage begins around the third to seventh day when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads over the entire body.
What should you do if you believe you were exposed?
- Based on the date of exposure, we have determined that if you were infected with measles, you may develop symptoms through Friday, June 10, 2011.
- If you develop fever, runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough, please stay at home and do not expose others. If within three to seven days you develop a rash or you develop any severe symptoms, please call your primary health care provider immediately to discuss further care. It is very important that you call prior to going to the office or to the E.R. so that you do not expose others.
Measles is preventable through safe and effective measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses are recommended for most individuals with the first dose given at age 12-15 months and the second prior to kindergarten entry (age 4-6 years).
For more on measles, go to www.vdh.virginia.gov/Epidemiology/factsheets/Measles.htm. For additional questions, dial 2-1-1.