Mercer Health Asks Unvaccinated Patients With Measles Symptoms to Call Ahead

Mercer Health says measles is becoming more prevalent in the community and is asking people who have not been vaccinated against the disease to call before visiting a healthcare facility if they have a fever, rash or red eyes. Patients who are asked to come in should stay in their vehicles when they arrive.

Mercer Health says the precautions help protect other patients, including people with weakened immune systems and infants younger than 12 months who may not yet be vaccinated.

Measles spreads through the air and can remain infectious for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, Mercer Health said. Up to nine in 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed can become infected. A person with measles can spread the virus from four days before a rash appears through four days afterward.