No confirmed measles cases in Alabama yet

Updated: May. 1, 2019 at 7:53 PM CDT
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - Dr. Brian Gannon, Clinic Director for Pediatric Care at University Medical Center, believes the measles outbreak is getting the attention it deserves due to the danger surrounding the illness.

“People are putting their children at risk when they are not vaccinating,” Gannon said Wednesday.

He is aware of the trouble measles can cause first-hand after treating someone with it in the past.

“If we become aware of a potential measles case, it’s important for us to report that,” Gannon explained.

Measles is a reportable disease. That means doctors and others are required to notify their local or the state health department is someone tested positive.

They can call their local health department or email the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Doctors would work with that person to make sure they haven't exposed anyone to the illness and help them when it comes to treating the virus.

“The vaccines we have are safe and effective. There's really no reason to forgo that because this is a really serious, contagious infection that can be prevented," according to Gannon.

Dr. Karen Landers, a district medical officer with the Alabama Department of Public Health, says there are no conformed measles cases in Alabama right now.

Copyright 2019 WBRC. All rights reserved.