TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – According to the CDC, more than 700 people in 22 states have contracted measles. It is a disease that is considered contagious and can sometimes be severe.
“Measles is very contagious. It happens when you sneeze or cough and then it can actually stay in the air for up to two hours,” said Roni Elder, Vigo County Health Educator.
To combat the outbreak of the disease in Indiana, the state health commissioner Kris Box has issued a standing order allowing adults to receive the MMR vaccine without a prescription. Some local residents say they are worried that the disease has gotten to this point.
“I think it’s scary because I don’t want any outbreaks to happen, like get worst than it already is. I think a lot of people are just afraid to get shots in general but it’s definitely going to benefit them in the long run,” said Mason Rogers, local resident.
Rogers says he supports the standing order by the state health commissioner.
“I definitely think that’s a good idea before it gets too out of hand. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Rogers said.
Although no cases of measles have been reported in Vigo County, Elder says being proactive about the disease could prevent it from being contracted and spread.
“It can spread very quickly if we get it into our county and we don’t want that to happen. So we definitely want everyone to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their family members,” Elder said.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, pink eye, a runny nose, and a red rash which will appear on the body.
According the CDC 9 out of 10 people who did not receive their measles vaccination will contract the disease if they are exposed to it.
One case of measles has been confirmed in northwest Indiana.
