Measles Symptoms & Vaccine: OKC Confirms First Case Since 1997

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Stillwater, located in Payne County, Oklahoma reports its first confirmed measles case in 18 years as stated by health officials last Friday. According to the NBC News, the infected patient is known as an international traveler to Oklahoma and the spouse of an Oklahoma State University student who was living off campus.

"Anyone who thinks they may have been at risk of exposure should review their immunization records and contact their local county health department with any additional questions. Persons are protected if they are immunized with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine after the first birthday, or if they were born during or before 1957," as said by Oklahoma health officials in a statement.

If you have visited the following places in Stillwater, you may have caught the virus:

• Aldi (1188 N Perkins Rd) March 13
• Crepe Myrtle Market (613 S Lewis) March 13
• Food Pyramid (421 N Main St) March 13
• Boba Fusion Café (211 N Perkins Rd) March 13
• China Wok (917 N Perkins Rd) - March 14
• Jimmy's Egg (811 W 6thAve) March 16
• University Health Services on March 17 or 19

In the investigation, the Oklahoma State Department of Health is now working with the Oklahoma State University, the Payne County Health Department and local health facilities, according to NewsChannel 4.

People who are likely to get measles will usually start experiencing the symptoms 10-18 days after they were exposed. The symptoms may begin and include cough, red eyes, fever, and runny nose. In a few days, the rash caused by measles will appear first in the face and spread through the body. The patient's fever can reach up to 105 degrees and can lead to other complications. Measles is dangerous for young children, pregnant women and those with weak immune systems.

Measles is a highly contagious disease and it is transmitted through the cough and sneeze of an infected person. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. People with have been exposed to measles can spread the virus up to four days before the rash starts and until four days after the rash has appeared.

There is currently no known cure for treating measles, but there is a vaccine that can prevent measles. To be protected, children should receive the first dose of the MMR or Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine at 12 to 15 months and the second dose between four to six years old. The two doses can provide immunity.