Person with measles visited Randolph County

ASHEBORO — A measles case has been connected to Randolph County from a person who traveled through the area while infectious.

Anyone who visited Tot Hill Farm Golf Club’s pro shop in the morning of March 12 might have been exposed, according to information from Randolph County Public Health.

The health department said to protect the individual’s privacy, no additional information regarding the case will be released.

Anyone who thinks he or she might have been exposed and who hasn’t been vaccinated against measles (with the MMR vaccine) should call 336 318-6885 and asked to speak to a communicable disease nurse to assess the measles risk.

If symptoms develop, individuals should call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office or emergency department so precautions can be taken to prevent additional exposures.

The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include: high fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees); cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes; tiny white spots on inner cheeks, gums or roof of the mouth; or a rash that is red, raised and blotchy.

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air.

Laboratory testing is not recommended for people who were exposed unless they develop symptoms of measles, including fever and rash.