Maine CDC Confirms First Case of Measles In the State In 20 Years
To many, the Measles are a thing of the past, like rotary phones, Tamagotchis, and Mel Gibson's film career. However, the disease itself may have something to say about that. So, to paraphrase Weird Al Yankovic's Amish Paradise: "Tonight, we're gonna go to the doctor and get a checkup and a shot like it's 1699." Not quite as catchy and a whole lot scarier, if you ask me.
WCSH 6 reported yesterday that the Maine Center for Disease Control officially confirmed the first case of the Measles in our state in two decades. Apparently the patient, who lives and is being treated in Franklin county, contracted it while away on travel, and then returned to Maine. The CDC advises that if you were anywhere near several locations in Franklin county recently, you may have come into contact with the disease. See the list of those locations here.
The CDC states that Measles is highly contagious, and is most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms begin like a cold, with a runny nose, cough, and high fever, before turning to a rash that spreads throughout the body. WCSH6 states that the best way to fight the disease if to get yourself vaccinated.
Visit the CDC's website for more info on the disease, and other ways to protect yourself against it.