Measles has been ruled out in the potential case in Hopkins County. This was ruled out by laboratory testing. When a provider is concerned regarding a rash illness, preliminary precautions will be taken. If there is a confirmed case of measles or any other communicable disease of community concern, the public will be notified, and the case will be investigated by the health department.

Measles is on the rise in the United States due to vaccine hesitancy. There is public health concern because measles is one of the most contagious viruses and causes 1-3 deaths per 1000 cases in developed countries. In addition, measles causes 100,000 deaths annually in children under 5 worldwide.

Please discuss childhood vaccinations with your pediatrician or pediatric provider!

Denise Beach, MS, BSN, RN

Public Health Director

Hopkins County Health Department

The next Board of Health Meeting will be Wednesday, June 11th at 12:00 pm.