Patient tests positive for measles in Morgantown

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) - WVU Hospitals announced today (April 22) that an adult patient who had presented at an outpatient clinic last week has since tested positive for measles (rubeola).

In a press release today, the patient did not require hospitalization and is recovering at home. Upon receiving confirmation of the positive test, WVU Hospitals notified the Monongalia County Health Department (MCHD) on Thursday, and MCHD is following the case closely. Measles symptoms appear seven-to-14 days after contact with the virus and typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash appears three-to-five days after the first symptoms. Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth two-to-three days after symptoms begin. Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Children younger than 5 years of age and adults older than 20 years of age are more likely to suffer from complications. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis. While measles can be serious in all age groups, there are several groups that are more likely to suffer from complications:

• Children younger than 5 years of age
• Adults older than 20 years of age
• Pregnant women
• People with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection

Individuals who believe they have symptoms consistent with measles should first contact their healthcare provider and follow their instructions before going to an urgent care, physician office, or emergency department and should also limit their contact with family, friends, and the public as the virus is highly transmissible. As always, WVU Medicine strongly encourages its patients to be current on all their vaccinations. Vaccines are available at MCHD by calling 304-598-5119. To read more about measles, visit CDC.gov/Measles.