The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOHPinellas) is investigating a measles case in a 72-year-old male with international travel to Asia.
Anyone older than 12 months of age should receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine for protection. Vaccines are provided at no cost at DOH-Pinellas clinics to babies, children and teens through the age of 18. MMR II vaccines for adults are provided for a cost of $85.67 without an appointment at these locations:
- St. Petersburg: 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N.
- Pinellas Park: 6350 76th Ave. N.
- Mid-County (Largo): 8751 Ulmerton Rd.
- Clearwater: 310 N. Myrtle Ave.
- Tarpon Springs: 301 S. Disston Ave.
We encourage all health-care providers, including hospital emergency departments, to stay on high alert and immediately report cases to DOH-Pinellas.
Measles is an acute, highly contagious viral disease. Although it is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age. Generally, preschool children, adolescents, young adults and inadequately immunized individuals comprise the majority of measles cases in the United States.
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Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing and is highly contagious. The symptoms of measles generally begin approximately seven to 14 days after a person is exposed to someone with measles. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and rash. Anyone who has these symptoms should contact his or her healthcare provider. There is no specific treatment for measles.
The best way to protect yourself and your family against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases is by immunization. In Florida, children should be immunized against measles with the combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) and should receive two doses, with the first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at four to six years of age.
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Adults should be vaccinated with at least one dose of MMR vaccine, with a second dose recommended for those at higher risk such as international travelers and health care workers. People with underlying health conditions should discuss with their health care provider to determine the need for additional booster doses.
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