First measles case in years confirmed in Cache County

Bear River Health Department officials have confirmed a case of measles in a Cache County resident, the first confirmed case of the disease in many years. Individuals who have had close contact with the case have been notified and encouraged to receive any necessary vaccinations. Department Director Lloyd Berentzen says according to the Centers for Disease Control individuals who receive both MMR vaccines are 99.7 percent protected against measles. “The MMR vaccine is one of the most highly effective vaccines given and we strongly encourage individuals to stay up to date with their immunizations,” Berentzen says. Berentzen says measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. Children should get two doses of the vaccine and adults born after 1957 who may not have been immunized should contact their doctor to see if they need the vaccine. Measles can cause serious illness in young children. Berentzen says the disease causes fever, runny nose, cough and a rash all over the body.

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