PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – A man in Pinellas County was confirmed to have contracted measles, the Florida Department of Health said Thursday, asking health care providers to stay on high alert.
Health officials say the 72-year-old contracted the illness after traveling to Asia, meaning it is likely not tied to the national outbreak making headlines in recent weeks.
The health department did not provide any further information regarding his condition.
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They are now urging those older than 12 months of age to receive the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine for protection.
According to the CDC, measles is a highly contagious virus that starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It’s spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. Symptoms typically appear about seven to 14 days post infection.
The illness mostly affects children who are not vaccinated, but it can be contracted at any age.
The health department recommends adults be vaccinated with at least one dose of MMR vaccine.
Vaccines are available at no cost to babies, children and teens, and are $85.67 for adults at the following locations in Pinellas County:
- St. Petersburg: 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N.
- Pinellas Park: 6350 76th Ave. N.
- Mid-County (Largo): 8751 Ulmerton Rd.
- Clearwater: 310 N. Myrtle Ave.
- Tarpon Springs: 301 S. Disston Ave.