RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – More than 100 cases of measles have been detected nationwide, and now one person was reported dead in Texas on Wednesday.
While not the typical virus this area sees spreading this time of year, measles is a growing concern even in North Carolina, where no cases are reported yet.
“I don’t think it’s a crisis situation, but it’s something that I think we need to be at least aware of,” said Dr. Joel Lutterman, medical director of public health for Wake County Health and Human Services.
Eight states are experiencing cases of measles with New Mexico and Texas reporting outbreaks. Symptoms are similar to the flu, making it more difficult to detect.
“Many people have never seen a case of measles. So people sometimes think about measles when a rash starts. The problem is that people are contagious four or five days before the rash starts,” Lutterman said.
Lutterman believes unvaccinated people are likely behind this spread.
“That’s a huge part of it. It may not be the only reason, but that’s a huge part of it,” he said.
Given in during childhood, the measles vaccine is effective enough to last you through adulthood. People born in the 1960s or with compromised immune systems may want to consider getting a booster.
Lutterman says the measles vaccine is your biggest shield against the disease as travel season approaches.
“When spring break is coming up, I would say just make sure that you are vaccinated, probably avoid areas that have had outbreaks. That’s really all you can do,” he said.
While eyes are on measles right now, the flu is still Lutterman’s overwhelming concern.
“It’s sort of a particularly nasty strain or a bunch of strains this year. So people are definitely getting sick, getting hospitalized. Kids are getting hospitalized. It’s a real deal out there,” Lutterman said.
