JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax has learned that an unvaccinated child who was later found to have the measles was brought to Wolfson Children's Hospital emergency room.
The Florida Department of Health on Friday confirmed one case of measles in a child who was not vaccinated in Duval County.
Health officials told Action News Jax at that time, a local hospital reported the case and then they stepped in and started an investigation.
Wolfson Children's Hospital released the following statement:
The safety of our patients, families and team members at Wolfson Children's Hospital are top priority. A child was brought to Wolfson Children's ER and was confirmed positive for measles by the Florida Department of Health.<br/> <br/> There is low risk others who were in the ER at the same time as the patient will contract measles (particularly if they have received the MMR vaccine). Those who may have been exposed have been contacted by the Florida Department of Health in Duval County.
Measles is caused by a virus that may be spread before symptoms appear, which is typically between 7 to 14 days. Symptoms may include:<br/> <br/> · High fever<br/> · Cough<br/> · Runny nose<br/> · Red, watery eyes<br/> · Rash<br/> <br/> The MMR vaccine is recommended for children between the ages of 12-15 months for the first dose, followed by a second dose at 4-6 years of age. If your child has not been vaccinated and you do not have a primary care doctor, the MMR vaccine is offered by the Florida Department of Health in Duval County. To schedule an appointment, call 904.253.1130.<br/> <br/> For more information on measles, consult the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at cdc.gov/measles/index.html