First Measles Case Confirmed in DeKalb County

DeKalb County has reported its first confirmed case of measles for the current year. The diagnosis was validated through laboratory testing, according to the DeKalb County Health Department.

Potential Public Exposure Sites

Officials have identified potential public exposure locations in DeKalb where the confirmed case may have exposed others:

• Walmart, located at 2300 Sycamore Road in DeKalb, on March 2 between 2:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
• U.S. Post Office, located at 600 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, on March 9 between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Public Health Response and Privacy

The DeKalb County Health Department is currently investigating the case and actively contacting individuals who may have been exposed. Specific details about the patient have not been released due to privacy considerations.

Vaccination Recommendations

Stacia Runge, Director of Community Health and Prevention, emphasized the importance of vaccination.

Measles is a highly contagious disease but is preventable with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine offer approximately 97 percent effectiveness against the disease.

The health department advises community members to review their vaccination records and ensure their MMR vaccinations are up to date.