The City of Brownwood issued the following press release Friday:

The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department confirms one measles case in Brown County. The patient’s identification will remain confidential.

Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Measles is an airborne virus that lives in the nose and throat of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms of measles are a high fever, runny nose, cough, red-watery eyes, and sore throat that is followed by a rash breakout 3-5 days after symptoms begin.

Measles is highly contagious, and if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people around that person will also become infected if they’re not yet vaccinated. About 1 out of 4 people who get measles will be hospitalized. Measles is prevented through the combination MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends individuals get two doses to be fully protected:
• The first dose at 12 through 15 months of age
• The second dose at 4 through 6 years of age

The best way to protect yourself and your family against measles is by immunization. Brownwood/Brown County Health Department encourages individuals to contact their health care provider if they show signs and symptoms of measles.

Contact the Brownwood Brown County Health Department at 325-646-0554 for more information concerning measles or vaccinations.