On Sunday, May 31, 2015 a foreign traveler presented to the Cox Medical Center Branson Emergency Department with symptoms and travel history consistent with measles. On June 2, 2015, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) State Public Health Laboratory indicated preliminary test results were negative for the presence of measles. However, additional testing is required to absolutely exclude the possibility of measles.
The Taney County Health Department followed investigative protocol in coordination with the Stone County Health Department. The health departments are monitoring identified contacts and verifying vaccination status for each individual, with guidance from the DHSS. The investigation includes identifying those potentially exposed, contacting, and monitoring for signs of the disease. As needed, vaccinations have been administered to those who could not document prior immunization.
“At this time we are continuing to monitor identified contacts and follow the appropriate protocols pending the final test results,” stated Taney County Health Department Director Robert Niezgoda.
Measles is a respiratory illness caused by a virus and spread from person to person through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and a rash. Persons with measles are considered contagious from 4 days before until 4 days after the rash appears. In children and adults, measles is prevented by routine vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
For more information about measles contact your primary care provider or visit the Taney County Health Department website at www.taneycohealth.org or call the Branson office at 417-334-4544 or Forsyth office at 417-546-4725.
To learn more, visit the Taney County Health Department website at www.taneycohealth.org or contact a staff member at (417) 334-4544 ext 224.
Sincerely,
Taney County Health Department
Community Outreach Division
320 Rinehart Road 15479 U.S. Hwy. 160
Branson, MO 65616 P.O. Box 369
Phone: (417)334-4544 Forsyth, MO 6565
Fax: 335-5727 Phone: (417)546-4725
Fax: 546-4727
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