JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Story originally published on 10/12/19:
The Florida Department of Health has confirmed one case of measles in a child who was not vaccinated in Duval County.
Health officials told Action News Jax a local hospital reported the case and then they stepped in and started an investigation.
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"In doing that, we were able to kind of map out the steps the family went through and where the child may have visited, and we contacted those places directly to make them aware that folks that visited those facilities may have been exposed," said Dr. Pauline Rolle, the Department of Health Medical Director for Duval County.
The Florida Department of Health says measles is highly contagious. It's spread through the air and the best way to protect your children is to make sure they have all their vaccinations.
"Children, particularly for measles, mumps, or rubella, need to be vaccinated between 12 months and 15 months of age and again at 4 to 6 years of age," said Dr. Rolle.
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On Saturday morning, Cory and Brenna Waxman took their two young children to the soccer fields on UNF's campus.
On the way to the game, they learned about one recently confirmed case of measles in Duval County.
"It's kind of scary that measles are starting to make a comeback," Brenna Waxman said.
Dr. Rolle said the red flags parents should look out for is a fever, a rash and tiny white spots inside a child's mouth.
She said that's how people know it's more than just a cold.
Measles can result in hospitalizations, pneumonia and skin infections, which is why Brenna and Cory said they take all necessary precautions including getting their children vaccinated.
"It's super important. I mean, it's life or death -- that's how important," Cory Waxman said.
And Brenna Waxman noted the measles is something that's easily preventable.
"You see reports of parents after their kids get the measles, they say, 'I wish I would of vaccinated. It wasn't worth it.' It's sad," she said.
We also reached out to Duval County Public Schools to see if they're taking any precautions and we're waiting on a response.
The Florida Department of Health said insurance isn't necessary to get a child vaccinated against the measles and that their clinics offer free vaccination for those 18 years or under at the following locations:
- South Jacksonville Immunization Center; 3225 University Boulevard South Jacksonville, FL 32216
- The Immunization Center; 5322 North Pearl Street Jacksonville, FL 32208
Cox Media Group
