Oklahoma has its first confirmed measles case since 1997, state health officials reported Friday, as an outbreak largely linked to Disneyland has now infected nearly 180 people.
The ill patient, in Stillwater, is an international traveler to Oklahoma and the spouse of an Oklahoma State University student who lives off campus.
"Anyone who thinks they may have been at risk of exposure should review their immunization records and contact their local county health department with any additional questions. Persons are protected if they are immunized with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine after the first birthday, or if they were born during or before 1957," Oklahoma health officials said in a statement.
People infected with measles usually develop symptoms seven to 18 days after exposure, starting with a mild to moderate fever, runny nose, red eyes, and cough. The signature rash appears a few days later. The virus can cause serious complications in pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
Since Jan. 1, 178 people from 17 states and the District of Columbia are reported to have been diagnosed with measles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly three-quarters of those cases are linked to exposures at Southern California's Disneyland park.
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