WVDOH: W.Va. measles case had traveled abroad

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MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The first case of measles reported in 15 years in West Virginia was an under-vaccinated person who had recently traveled internationally.

Patient tests positive for measles in Morgantown

The West Virginia Department of Health made that announcement Monday about the case. The agency said it is working closely with the Monongalia County Health Department to do contact tracing.

According to the WVDOH, "Measles is a highly contagious and serious respiratory illness that can lead to complications such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and even death. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90 percent of the people in close contact will also become infected if they are not protected through vaccination."

The agency said measles starts with a fever and later leads to a cough, runny nose and red rash. A rash of tiny red spots tend to break out around the head before spreading elsewhere on the body.

The WVDOH said measles is on the rise, with 125 cases of the virus reported in 18 states so far this year.

Health officials said being vaccinated is the most effective way to avoid getting measles.

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