WNKY News 40 Health Reports: Measles – an old virus re-emerges

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – It’s an old viral disease that resurfaced the last couple of years.

While there haven’t been any confirmed cases of measles in South Central Kentucky recently, there have been four cases in other parts of the state this year alone.

It’s a virus that has no cure; it simply “runs its course.”

But it spreads very easily from person to person.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are specific symptoms to watch for.

If you have symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, fever and red, watery eyes. 

Ff a rash develops, it’s important to call your healthcare provider immediately since the viral illness can be severe.

Dr. Gilliam, a physician with Graves Gilbert Clinic in Russellville, says it can be tough to sort out the symptoms of measles from other illnesses.

She says if the symptoms don’t start to improve after a few days or if they continue to worsen over the course of a few days, it’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider.

She also says taking the 2-dose series of immunizations for measles is 97% effective in protecting against the virus.