Measles case confirmed in Putnam County

Putnam County health officials have confirmed a case of measles in Putnam County.

In a letter, Putnam County Health Officer Dr. Adam Amos confirmed the case of the highly contagious disease, but noted there is no outbreak at this time.

Measles appeared in Indiana earlier this year, as there was an outbreak in Allen County, as multiple people were found to have the disease.

The letter reads:

Dear friends and neighbors,

I’m writing to inform you that we’ve recently confirmed a case of measles here in Putnam County.

At this time, there is no outbreak, and the overall risk to the public remains low. However, because measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious illness, I want to take a moment to share what you can do to protect your family and our community.

First and foremost: Check your immunization records.

The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is safe and extremely effective. Most children receive two doses — one around age 1 and a second before kindergarten. Adults born after 1956 should ensure they’ve had two doses or confirmed immunity with a blood test.

If you’re not sure of your vaccination status, or if your children are behind on shots, please talk to your healthcare provider. It’s never too late to catch up.

Be alert to the symptoms:

• Fever (over 101°F)

• Cough, runny nose or red eyes

• A rash that usually starts on the face and spreads

• Small white spots inside the mouth

If you or your child develops symptoms and think it could be measles, please call your doctor before coming in. This helps protect others, especially babies and people with weakened immune systems.

We are working closely with state health authorities and our local providers to monitor the situation. As your county health officer — and as a fellow parent and community member — I ask that we all do our part by staying informed and making sure our families are protected.

If you have questions or need help accessing vaccinations, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am.-4 p.m. We can be reached at 765-653-0203.

Sincerely,

Adam Amos MD, FAAFP

Putnam County Health Officer