Posted By: Carolyn Dolcimascolo
Tampa, Florida -- The Hillsborough County Health Department has issued a measles alert. A visitor from the United Kingdom traveling through Tampa has tested positive for measles. The visitor arrived at Tampa International December 13, at approximately 5:30 p.m.
According to the health department, measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread by sneezing, coughing and talking. Measles usually begins with cold-like symptoms such as cough, runny nose, high temperature, and red, watery eyes and then followed by a red, blotchy rash which appears at the head and spreads down the body lasting longer than three days.
"While these symptoms could look like the common cold or other problems, fortunately there are other distinguishing symptoms including a very characteristic rash that starts on the head, face, and neck, and eventually spreads to the abdomen, arms, and legs and upon closer observation, doctors can also see tiny white spots on the inside of the infected person's mouth," said Dr. Douglas Holt, Director of the HCHD.
The health department is advising anyone who may have been at T.I.A. December 13, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. who develops these symptoms to follow up with a doctor.
According to Dr. Holt, this advisory is being made out of an abundance of caution. The other passengers on the plane are being contacted directly by public health agencies.
The patient is receiving medical care and is under close supervision. There have been no reports of cases associated with this illness.
For more information on measles please click here.
Hillsborough County Health Dept. and 10 Connects
No comments:
Post a Comment