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Officials: Confirmed case of red measles in Meck Co.

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — In the last week, one unvaccinated individual was diagnosed with confirmed red measles, also known as rubeola, in Mecklenburg County, according to Mecklenburg County health officials.

The patient had traveled to a country with endemic red measles.

As a precautionary measure, individuals who came in contact with the patient have been contacted. Preventative measures are being taken and at this time there is no immediate risk.

Red measles is a contagious respiratory disease that is caused by a virus. It is spread through the air through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and sore throat followed by a rash that spreads all over the body.

Measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine.

According to the World Health Organization, measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children even though a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available.

In 2013, there were 145,700 measles deaths globally or about 400 deaths every day.

Since the year 2000, the WHO estimates the measles vaccination has prevented 15.6 million deaths.

Fact sheet: measles