Local Family Nurse Practitioner Shares The Severity of Measles

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Measles is a contagious, viral illness that can be life-threatening. It is especially severe for young children and those with compromised immune systems.

“We have seen with children who are vaccinated are at home recovering well, just like an upper respiratory infection. Children who are unvaccinated we have seen hospitalizations and even deaths. So we highly recommend at least getting one dose of measles, mumps, rubella if you have not,” said Autumn Nelson, Family Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Infectious Disease at Sanford.

From the eleven cases this month, both the adults and children reported to have measles were unvaccinated. When a person gets infected by measles, they will exhibit signs of a fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and a body-wide rash. But the more severe symptoms may be detrimental to ones who have immunocompromised systems.

“Measles can be very severe and life-threatening. That’s why we recommend getting vaccinated, at least with the first dose. If you’re unvaccinated, a lot of times we can see brain swelling which happens a couple months after the initial measles contraction,” said Nelson.

Other severe symptoms include dehydration, pneumonia, bronchitis and pregnancy complications.

“We’re working on emergency planning, how we can minimize transmission within the community. So if anyone has symptoms of runny nose, cough, rash, high fevers – we do recommend that you call ahead to our emergency room, urgent care or primary care providers. Let us know about your symptoms and call ahead of time so that we can prepare for the arrival of possible measles to decrease the transmission within the community,” said Nelson.

Fargo Cass Public Health will be hosting a walk-in vaccine clinic on Thursday from 7 am to 1 pm with no appointment required.