Hospital Urges Measles Vigilance After Holiday Travel Sparks Outbreak Risk

Lower Keys Medical Center and affiliated clinicians urged Monroe County residents on Jan. 2 to be vigilant about measles after outbreaks in other states and increased travel over the holidays raised the risk of local exposure. The hospital emphasized recognizing symptoms, checking vaccination status and contacting health providers before visiting clinics or emergency departments.

Measles is an exceptionally contagious respiratory virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing and droplets from infected people. Those at greatest risk include children younger than 5 years, adults older than 20 years, pregnant individuals and people with compromised immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates roughly one out of every five people infected with measles will require hospital care, with complications including pneumonia, brain swelling known as encephalitis, premature birth and, in rare cases, death.

“As measles cases continue to rise throughout the country, it’s important for everyone in our community to be aware of the symptoms and take simple steps to protect themselves and those around them,” said Dr. Courtney Bonner, board certified internal medicine physician at Keys Medical Group Primary Care at Searstown. “If you or your child develop a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash that starts on the face and spreads, stay home and call your healthcare provider before going anywhere in person.”

Typical measles begins with high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, and may produce tiny red spots inside the mouth before a distinctive rash spreads from the face downward. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, usually given as part of the MMR series, as the most reliable protection. Receiving both doses provides strong defense against infection.

Lower Keys Medical Center, an acute care community hospital that offers 24-hour emergency department services and holds multiple accreditations, urged residents to call ahead if they develop symptoms or were exposed to a confirmed case so clinics can take precautions to protect patients and staff. The hospital also advised routine hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing and covering coughs, and recommended that travelers check their vaccination status before visiting areas with reported outbreaks.

Public health experts say the current concern is not only individual risk but community impact: unvaccinated pockets and barriers to care can magnify spread and disproportionately harm those with limited access to healthcare. Residents with questions about vaccination or recent exposure can visit the CDC website for guidance and should contact their primary care provider to confirm immunization records and next steps.