LAKE COUNTY, Ind. — A case of measles has been confirmed in Lake County, according to the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH). It is the first reported case in Indiana since 2019.

IDOH says public risk is low, but the department continues to monitor the case with local health officials.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus, according to the Indiana Department of Health. The disease is relatively rare in the United States due to the widespread availability of vaccines.

As of Feb. 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 35 confirmed cases of measles in the United States this year. Indiana joins Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington as states with at least one measles case.

SYMPTOMS
According to IDOH, measles symptoms start within one-to-two weeks after exposure and may be a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Most notably, however, tiny white spots may appear in the mouth, and rashes may appear all over the skin.

TRANSMISSION
According to the CDC, measles is highly contagious. It is spread through coughing and sneezing. Droplets containing measles can remain on surfaces or in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of measles, stay home and call your healthcare provider right away before going to the doctor’s office.