The Iowa Department of Public Health has confirmed the first case of measles in the Iowa since 2011 has surfaced.

The IDPH confirms that recent testing at the State Hygienic Lab proved over the weekend that an individual from northeast Iowa (no word on what city specifically) is infected with measles.

The individual had not vaccinated prior and had recently returned from Israel, where known spreading of the illness is happening.

The IDPH says public health officials are attempting to follow up with people who may have been exposed to the individual with measles and making sure they are properly vaccinated. The measles are highly contagious and spreads through the air by respiratory moisture produced from coughing or sneezing. There's no treatment to get rid of an established measles infection, but over-the-counter fever reducers or vitamin A may help with symptoms. The vaccine will prevent symptoms.

The IDPH DOES NOT believe there is any threat to the public.

Read more about the measles vaccine here.

(SOURCE: WHOTV)

 

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