Doctor: Connecticut ‘exceedingly well vaccinated’ against measles amid rising cases
There have been no reported cases in Connecticut. Doctors say vaccinations have played a key role.
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Health officials across the U.S. and in the tri-state area are keeping a close eye on the uptick of measles cases.
Texas is dealing with a major outbreak.
While seven other states including New Jersey and New York are also seeing cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning about an outbreak of measles across the country.
There have been no reported cases in Connecticut. Doctors say vaccinations have played a key role.
"It starts off usually with a headache, fever. Fever can be up to almost 104," said Dr. Greg Buller, chair of medicine at Bridgeport Hospital. Buller says measles is very contagious.
"It's incredibly infectious. If somebody has it and you're near them, you have over 90% chance of getting measles if you are not vaccinated or haven't had it in the first place," said Buller.
Doctors say measles is an airborne illness that shows up with a rash of red spots, cough and red, watery eyes. When serious, patients can have difficulty breathing, seizures and confusion.
Doctors say the best way to treat it is staying hydrated and letting it run its course. The say vaccines have been effective in preventing measles.
"In Connecticut, about 98% of all kids entering kindergarten have been vaccinated. The state of Connecticut is exceedingly well vaccinated so the individuals who aren't vaccinated are really protected by so called herd immunity," said Buller.
There have been 146 cases of measles in Texas, including one death. There have been 3 cases in New Jersey and 2 in New York, and at least one case in Rhode Island.
