In light of a national uptick in measles cases, Wake County Public Health is hitting the alarm on vaccination. They're calling out to the public to get themselves and their younger ones the MMR vaccine. This move appears to be a stitch in time with the aim to save nine, in the sense that it's a preventative action before any local cases surface. Since 2016, Wake County has had a clean streak with no confirmed measles, but history shows us the viral disease cares little about past victories.
Known for its high contagion factor—90% infection rate among those unimmunized and nearby to an infected person—measles isn't selective about who it hits. "Measles isn’t just a childhood illness—it can be dangerous for people of all ages, especially babies, older adults and those with weakened immune systems," Wake County Public Health Director Rebecca Kaufman explained to WakeGov News. The emphasization here is on community protection, defending your neighbor as much as yourself with a simple jab of the MMR vaccine.
What’s worth noting is how effective the vaccine is—97% with both doses and still a strong 93% with just one. As for who should get it, the guidelines are clear: kids need two doses, the first at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. Adults born after 1957 who haven’t had the MMR vaccine should consider getting it.
Here are the symptoms to watch for: fever, cough, runny nose, and the telltale measles rash. They can show up one to two weeks after you're exposed. But keep in mind, people can spread measles before the rash appears—and you can catch it just by being in a room where an infected person was, even up to two hours later. If you need the vaccine, Wake County offers it at local health clinics. Call 919-431-4000, check online for appointments, or visit your nearest clinic or pharmacy.
If anyone suspects an encounter with measles or shows symptoms, it's a phone call before a clinic visit, says public health. And that's a self-isolation situation, reaffirms Wake County Commissioner Safiyah Jackson, claiming "The MMR vaccine is the step that offers powerful protection and gives parents peace of mind knowing their children are guarded against this serious, but preventable, illness," as per WakeGov News. Insurance, including Medicaid, usually covers the jab, so there's little standing in the way of safeguarding yourself and your community.
