Make sure that your child is protected with MMR vaccine.  We are now experiencing an unusually large measles outbreak in the U.S. Before traveling, protect your child by making sure that they are up-to-date on vaccinations, especially before traveling abroad.

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus.  Measles starts with a fever.  Soon after, it causes a cough, runny nose, and red eyes.  Then a rash of tiny red spots breaks out.  It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.  Measles can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death.  Measles is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.  It is so contagious that if one person has it 90% of the people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected. 

For more information about measles and the vaccine to prevent it, go to:

www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/measles/fs-parents.html 

For an appointment for vaccines, contact your medical provider or the local Health Department  at 615-206-1100.