Recently, West Virginia reported its first case of Measles since 2009, as the contagious disease continues to spread across the country. The Mon County Health Department in Morgantown was alerted by WVU Medicine about an adult patient who tested positive for Measles after visiting an outpatient clinic last week.
Dr. Brian Huggins, the incoming health officer at Mon County health, emphasized the importance of containing the spread of the disease. The department is actively identifying and reaching out to individuals who may have been exposed to the virus, with an estimated outreach to 150-200 people.
West Virginia now joins the list of 18 states in the U.S. that have reported Measles cases since the beginning of the year. Dr. Huggins highlighted the highly contagious nature of Measles, which spreads through the air, making it one of the most infectious diseases. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect oneself from the disease.
Although most West Virginians have been vaccinated against Measles during childhood, Dr. Higgins noted that the majority of cases in the country involve partially vaccinated individuals or those who have traveled abroad. He credited West Virginia’s stringent vaccination policies for creating a strong immunity within the state.
For individuals who choose not to get vaccinated, Dr. Higgins advised avoiding contact with sick individuals, particularly those with respiratory illnesses. However, he acknowledged the challenges of completely avoiding exposure to such diseases.
The emergence of the Measles case in West Virginia serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and public health measures in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
