Caution still important: No new measles cases reported

The number of immunizations grew over the weekend.

The number of confirmed measles cases didn't.

"I think we need to caution people, though," said Susan Zulk, the public relations and marketing director for Spencer Hospital. "We still need awareness and we need to be watchful. If someone does have the symptoms, they should call their personal physician and stay home."

The Iowa Department of Public Health on Thursday issued an emergency public health threat after a Clay County child was diagnosed with measles. It was the first time since 2004 that a measles case had been confirmed in Iowa.

The diagnosis was alarming because measles spreads easily and can cause serious illness and death in extreme cases. The child who contracted the disease made numerous stops over Easter weekend, including church services, grocery store stops, a nursing home visit and a community Easter egg hunt.

Clay County Public Health worked with Spencer Hospital in an effort to avoid an outbreak. Officials administered 71 additional vaccinations Saturday in addition to the 186 administered through Friday.

One dose of the measles vaccine is 90 to 95 percent effective. Iowa children typically get two doses, which is 98 to 99 percent effective.

"It's important to remember, measles is so contagious it can be transmitted even after the ill person has left the building, or can be transmitted by passing an ill person in the hallway," an Iowa Department of Public Health statement said.

The symptoms can emerge up to 21 days after a person is exposed to measles. Anyone showing signs of fever, cough, red or pink eyes, runny nose and/or a rash is urged to stay home and contact a physician. Do not go to a clinic or emergency room unannounced -- that may expose other patients and families to the virus.