FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Health officials in West Virginia are warning residents to take precautions as measles cases continue to spread across the country.
According to the Fayette County Health Department, cases have now been detected in 13 states, including several that border West Virginia.
Dr. Steven Eshenaur, Health Officer at the Fayette County Health Department, cautioned against relying on home remedies such as Vitamin A, cod liver oil, or good nutrition to prevent or cure measles.
He stressed the importance of vaccination, urging residents to check their immunization status for the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to man,” Eshenaur said.
“It’s not a rite of passage. It’s not a simple rash. It can be devastating and deadly. It’s not curable with home remedies and a good diet. Those claims have no scientific basis. Immunization is the only known prevention that is effective in protecting people from the disease.”
Recent measles cases have been reported in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. With the disease spreading closer to West Virginia, Eshenaur emphasized the need for precautions.
“Frankly, that’s just a little too close for comfort,” he said. “Measles is knocking on our door, and we need to take precautions. The only effective protection is to make sure your immune system has a fighting chance against measles: get vaccinated.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a health advisory about a deadly measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico.
The two states have reported hundreds of cases, and two deaths—a child in Texas and an adult in New Mexico.
Measles is highly contagious, spreading up to four days before symptoms appear and continuing for four days after the rash emerges.
“People can spread it to everyone around them before the first telltale rash appears on their skin,” Eshenaur explained.
Severe outbreaks can lead to hospitalization and even death, with one in five cases requiring hospital treatment.
“Outbreaks like this can result in death, and as many as one in five require hospitalization. I don’t want to see that happen in West Virginia,” Eshenaur warned.
He also addressed misinformation about the disease. “You’ll hear that it is a rite of passage among children. It’s not a simple rash,” he said.
“If you’re thinking about not vaccinating your child for any reason other than medical reasons, please reconsider. We all feel a responsibility to protect our kids from childhood diseases and vaccines are the proven way to keep our children safe and healthy.”
West Virginia has strict childhood immunization laws, ensuring that school-aged children receive vaccinations for measles, whooping cough, polio, and tetanus.
“Right now, our children are protected because we have herd immunity. Vaccines did that. Remember, the easiest disease to treat is the one you never get,” Eshenaur said.
For those who cannot receive the MMR vaccine due to medical reasons, herd immunity plays a crucial role.
“This is where herd immunity comes in. It’s up to the rest of us to get vaccinated so we protect those who cannot for medical reasons. This is how it works. We take care of each other when we take care of ourselves,” he explained.
The MMR vaccine has been used for decades and is proven to be effective in preventing measles and reducing its severity.
“If you are current on your MMR, you also help prevent bringing the viruses into your community, home, and workplace if you travel. Also, many countries won’t let you in without it,” Eshenaur noted.
Fayette County residents who need to check their immunization records or schedule a booster can contact the Fayette County Health Department at (304) 574-1617.
