Public Health in Delaware County Urges Measles Immunization
Measles Cases on the Rise in Iowa, Delaware County Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant
As the school year approaches in Delaware County, Iowa, health officials are urging residents to ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations, following a spike in measles cases across the state.
According to the latest data, Iowa has reported eight confirmed measles cases for the year, with cases recorded in both Western and Eastern Iowa. However, no specific measles cases have been reported in Delaware County as of yet.
To prevent the spread of measles, the Delaware County Public Health Department recommends that everyone born in or after 1957 receives two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective in preventing the disease. With measles highly contagious and capable of lingering in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial.
In the event of potential exposure, individuals who visited known exposure locations while contagious and who are unvaccinated or unsure of their immune status are advised to report to local health authorities and complete any recommended questionnaires or screenings. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services provides online forms for reporting potential exposure.
If symptoms appear (fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, and rash), affected persons should call their healthcare provider or emergency room before visiting to alert them of possible measles exposure, so proper isolation can be arranged to prevent further transmission.
Delaware County Public Health Manager Krystle DeShaw has emphasised the importance of vaccination, stating, "We want to ensure our community is well-protected against measles. If you or your child are not vaccinated, we strongly recommend getting vaccinated to increase immunity within our community."
DeShaw also advises that individuals should notify their healthcare providers if seeking a check-up for potential measles symptoms.
For the most current and localised information, residents are encouraged to check the Iowa Department of Health updates or contact Delaware County health officials. The health department will provide updates on any new exposure alerts or cases in the county.
In summary, Delaware County residents are urged to stay vigilant, ensure vaccination is up-to-date, and monitor public health announcements for any new exposure alerts as the school year approaches. With the rise in measles cases across Iowa, it is more important than ever to maintain high vaccination rates to protect our community.
- KMCH news reports encourage Delaware County residents to stay vigilant about their vaccinations, as chronic diseases like measles have seen a rise in Iowa.
- School-goers in Delaware County should consult their school health services to ensure they are fully vaccinated against local medical-conditions such as measles.
- For the latest news on measles cases and vaccine availability, residents can turn to their local health authorities in Delaware County, or check updates from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
- Delaware County residents are reminded that maintaining high vaccination rates for conditions like measles is crucial for the overall health-and-wellness of the community.
- DeShaw from the Delaware County Public Health Department encourages residents to prioritize fitness-and-exercise, nutritional intake, and mental-health check-ups in addition to vaccinations to boost their immunity and overall wellness.
- To further protect the community from the spread of measles, DeShaw suggests everyone be aware of the science behind vaccine efficacy and measles contagion, considering the disease can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves.
