First measles case found in Putnam County

GREENCASTLE, Ind. (WISH) — There is no outbreak — and the risk to the public remains low, the Putnam County Health Department says — but measles, a highly-contagious disease, has it’s first case in central Indiana.

Wednesday, the Putnam County Health Department announced a confirmed case of measles. Until now, Indiana’s only confirmed measles cases were is Allen County.

Statewide totals for the measles now rests at 9 cases. The Indiana Department of Health’s measles dashboard has not updated to reflect Putnam County’s confirmed case.

While the public’s risk of infection is low, Putnam County Health Officer Adam Amos wants to share how you keep your family and community safe.

“First and foremost: Check your immunization records,” Amos wrote in a statement. “The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is safe and extremely effective.”

Most children get a dose of the vaccine when they are 1-year old and a second before starting kindergarten. However, adults born after 1956 should make sure they’ve had two doses “or confirmed immunity with a blood test,” Amos said.

If you or your child are not protected, “It’s never too late to catch up,” he said.

Measles symptoms include a fever of over 101 degrees; a cough, runny nose, or red eyes; a spreading rash that typically starts on the face; and small, white spots inside the mouth.

If someone in your family starts developing these symptoms and you think it could be measles, “please call your doctor before coming in,” Amos said. Staying away from the public and contacting your doctor protects others like babies and those with weak immune systems.

“We are working closely with state health authorities and our local providers to monitor the situation. As your county health officer — and as a fellow parent and community member — I ask that we all do our part by staying informed and making sure our families are protected,” Amos said.

If you have questions on staying safe from measles or need help getting vaccinated, the Putnam County Health Department asks you to reach out at (765) 653-0203.

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