Pinal County health officials have successfully contained a case of the measles that infected a child in the southern part of the county.
The child, from San Manuel, was diagnosed with the measles May 15. The child is fully recovered, according to county officials. Now, it is safe to declare the county measles free because two incubation periods have elapsed since the case, said county officials.
“Our public health staff deserves credit for successfully containing this to one case by being thorough and procoactive,” said Tom Schryer, Pinal public health director.
Fewer than ten individuals in the county have shown symptoms that led to testing for the measles. Schryer said there are no suspected cases in the county.
Measles is a vary contagious disease. The disease spread to Pinal County from an outbreak in the Tucson area.
Most measles infections do not lead to complications. However, the disease has the potential to cause pneumonia, blindness, encephalitis and death. Measles will kill up to 3 people in 1,000 that contract the disease.
Since the beginning of the May, the county’s health department has provided 400 doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination through public health clinics.
Health officials recommend that children should be vaccinated for the measles after the first birthday. A booster shot should be administered before the child begins school.
