First measles case confirmed in West Virginia since 2009

Posted: Apr 22, 2024 / 11:37 AM EDT

Updated: Apr 22, 2024 / 01:02 PM EDT

This story has been updated with information from the Monongalia County Health Department.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — A patient of WVU Medicine in Monongalia County has tested positive for measles.

WVU Medicine announced Monday that a patient tested positive after visiting an outpatient clinic last week and is recovering at their home. The U.S. has seen an uptick in measles cases in 2024, but this is the first case confirmed in West Virginia since 2009.

The patient presented with symptoms at a clinic on Thursday, and a test confirmed the case on Sunday, the Monongalia County Health Department said in a press release.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of April 19, there were 125 confirmed cases across 18 states, with almost half of the cases occurring in children under five.

The case in Monongalia County is in an adult patient, WVU Medicine said.

The MCHD said in a press release that it is working to identify anyone that the patient may have been in contact with.

Measles symptoms usually last seven to 14 days and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, rash and white spots on the inside of your mouth. Anyone who has symptoms should contact their healthcare provider before going to an emergency room or urgent care, WVU Medicine said.

"Because of the highly infectious nature of the disease, it is not recommended that individuals just present to a health-care facility," Dr. Brian Huggins with the MCHD said in the release.

Measles vaccines are available through the Monongalia County Health Department.