INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Measles was officially eliminated in the United States in 2000, but cases are now spreading nationwide, including in Putnam County, Indiana.

The Putnam County Health Department confirmed its first case this year. This comes after eight people were diagnosed with the disease in Allen County earlier this year.

“It’s likely due to decreased herd immunity, decreased vaccine rates amongst people living here,” said Dr. Patrick Milligan, infectious disease expert at Community Health Network.

The Putnam County Health Department said there is no outbreak and the overall risk to the public is low, but Milligan said you should still get the MMR vaccine to protect you, your family, and community.

Measles is highly contagious. It’s an airborne disease that can be spread through breathing, coughing, or sneezing, and Milligan said one person can infect as many as 12-18 people.

Milligan said symptoms include high fevers (over 101 degrees), sore throat, cough, runny nose, inflation around the eyes, and eventually a full body rash.

Measles can cause blindness, brain swelling and death. Milligan said most of the people who die are children.

“Anybody can get measles,” Milligan said. “The vaccine is really the only effective preventable strategy.”

The measles vaccine (MMR vaccine) has two doses, and it’s available to anyone ages one and above. Health experts also recommend those who received the vaccine before 1957 should get a booster.

Milligan said 90% of the population needs to be immunized to achieve herd immunity. He said, “many counties in Indiana are in the range between 80 to low 90%.” And that’s why for now the public risk is low.

Still, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the highest number of cases in 33 years, with more than 1,200 cases nationwide.

If you or your child develop symptoms, the Putnam County Health Department recommends calling your doctor and staying away from public spaces to protect babies and those with a weak immune system.

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