Officials with the Cass County Health System are asking anyone who may have been exposed to the measles virus, not to come to the Atlantic Medical Center. Instead, you should call the facility, in order to prevent the virus from being spread to those who are not infected. If you have traveled to states where there is a measles outbreak, and think you may have been exposed to the virus, contact the AMC Immunization staff at 712-243-2850.

What they measles look like on human skin.

Currently there have been 2 confirmed cases of the measles in Omaha, Nebraska as well as some cases in South Dakota, Illinois, and Minnesota. Jeri Orstad, RN, Immunization Nurse at the Atlantic Medical Center (AMC), reminds the public of the seriousness of the disease and importance of containing the spread of measles. “Measles is a very contagious disease that infects 90% of people who are exposed and can lead to serious complications. Vaccination is the best way to prevent contracting measles. People who receive two doses of the MMR vaccine will be 99% protected.”

The measles virus spreads through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Symptoms normally appear 7-18 days after exposure.  A person infected with measles may experience any of the following:
· Fever
· Runny Nose
· Red, Watery Eyes
· Sore Throat
· Cough
· Loss of Appetite
· Koplik spots (small spots with white or bluish white center on the inside of the cheeks)

About 14 days after exposure a rash will develop, first showing at the hairline and progressing down the body. It is important to note people with measles are contagious for almost 14 days, beginning 4 days before any rash appears and about 4 days after all of the rash is gone.

Measles is a serious illness that can require hospitalization. Complications include ear infection, pneumonia, diarrhea, or swelling of the brain. Children routinely get the measles vaccine (MMR) at one year of age and a booster dose as early as four years of age. Jeri advises that the second dose of the MMR vaccine may be given as soon as one month after receiving the first dose. The vaccine does not provide protection until after the child receives the second dose. If parents are unsure if their child received both doses they may contact the AMC Immunization Room at 712-243-2850. AMC participates in a statewide vaccine registry so they can verify vaccines even if they were not administered in this clinic.

No appointment is necessary to receive a measles vaccine at AMC, and funding is available for those unable to afford vaccination either privately or through their insurance. The Immunization Room is open Monday through Friday 8:30 -11:00 am and 1:30 – 4:00 pm. They are also open on Saturday 8:30 – 11:00 am.