Lake County, IN – The Lake County Health Department has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated child, prompting a public health response across northwest Indiana. Officials are working with the Indiana Department of Health to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed.
According to the department, the child is stable and recovering under medical supervision. No other personal details have been released to protect privacy.
Health officials warn that measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or close contact. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. Infants under one year old are especially vulnerable since they are not yet eligible for the first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The Lake County Health Department emphasized the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread.
Residents are urged to verify their vaccination status, monitor for symptoms, and protect infants and individuals with weakened immune systems through community-wide immunity.
Anyone with questions or seeking vaccination can contact the Lake County Health Department at (219) 755-3658.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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