Concern rises over measles outbreak

AUBURN, AL (WSFA) - Reports that a person with measles made at least two stops in Alabama has added to concerns over the virus being spread to the state.

“Amid the nationwide sudden increase, especially in 22 states, we have been flooded with phone calls from patients especially wanting to know more about the measles,” said Dr. Oscar Almeida, M.D. at Stopwatch Urgent Care.

He said that there are a couple of things that make measles scary, such as that the virus can live in an area hours after a contaminated person has left and that you could go a week without even knowing that you’ve contracted the virus.

“The incubation period for the measles is between 10 and 14 days,” Almeida said.

Almeida said that the only way you can really protect yourself is by getting the vaccine, even though some are refusing to do so because of possible side effects.

“What actually started this whole controversy was a study in 1980 that was subsequently debunked showing an association with autism and it has since been refuted by extensive research,” he said.

One parent, Garret Potete, said that even though there is a measles outbreak, he has no plans on vaccinating his children. He said that to him, the risk is greater than the reward.

“I’ve done a ton of research. Think of all these things that you see in the kids are caused by vaccines, by parents not researching what is in the vaccine,” said Potete. “Unvaccinated kids are among some of the least sick kids in the country.”

Health officials said that if you think you have measles symptoms you should call your medical provider before paying them a visit, to avoid possibly putting others at risk.

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, a single case of measles will infect up to 95 percent of unvaccinated people who are exposed, resulting in an additional 12-18 cases on average.

Copyright 2019 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.