The safety of our patients, families and team members at Wolfson Children’s Hospital are top priority. A child was brought to Wolfson Children’s ER and was confirmed positive for measles by the Florida Department of Health.
There is low risk others who were in the ER at the same time as the patient will contract measles (particularly if they have received the MMR vaccine). Those who may have been exposed have been contacted by the Florida Department of Health in Duval County.
Children who were too young to be immunized or had a contraindication for the vaccine were offered prophylactic immunoglobin at no charge.
Florida Department of Health Recommendations
- Children ages 12 months up to 4 years old should have 1 dose of MMR; those who are 4 years of age or older should have two doses of MMR. MMR is available through the child’s primary care provider, at some urgent care centers and pharmacies, and through the DOH-Duval by appointment (904.253.1130).
- Symptoms of measles may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes
- White spots on the inside cheeks
- Malaise
- Runny nose
- Rash
If their child is exhibiting these symptoms, they should contact their primary care doctor BEFORE heading to an ER, hospital or clinic so arrangements can be made to see them right away, reducing the risk of spreading the virus.
More information is available on the CDC Measles page at: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/