(Versailles, IN) – The Ripley County Health Department is reporting a confirmed case of measles in the county.
Health officials say they’ve worked hard over the last couple of months to help keep families, friends and neighbors safe from the disease.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by coughing, fever, runny nose and a distinct rash (pictured).
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the virus can remain airborne for up to two hours, which makes it easy to contract in crowded places.
The disease preventable through vaccination, specifically the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The Ripley County Health Department is thanking community members who have taken the vaccine.
“Maybe you chose vaccination because you felt the vaccine was a better option for your family than risking measles. Maybe you chose to vaccinate because your family simply cannot sustain a 21-plus-day quarantine if exposed to measles,” the health department wrote in statement. “Whatever your reason, your decision has an impact far beyond your own household.”
Health officials say the vaccine also protects babies who aren’t old enough to receive it, and young children who aren’t eligible for a booster shot.
“You’re protecting the infant in your church nursery, your neighbor’s new baby, and the younger children in your kids’ daycare,” the health department added. “Our youngest children rely on the protection of those around them. These little ones depend on the rest of us to help create a community where measles has fewer opportunities to spread. That’s the power of herd immunity.”
The agency says its public health nurse has administered nearly 100 measles vaccines over the past two months.
“Thank you to every member of our health department team who has contributed to these recent vaccine efforts,” the health department said. “Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to public health do not go unnoticed.”
