Statement issued Friday:

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (March 2, 2012). – Officials with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health are urging parents to check their children’s immunization status in light of the recent measles outbreak in Indiana.

There have been 16 confirmed cases of measles related to this outbreak in Boone and Hamilton counties and one unrelated case in Adams County.

The only way to control the spread of measles is for children to be fully protected by receiving two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

“Now would be a good time to review your child’s vaccination record to make sure he or she has had two doses of the MMR vaccine as required,” says Allen County Health Commissioner Deborah McMahan, MD.

“If you have opted out of this requirement in the past, I would encourage you to reconsider getting your child immunized so he or she is fully protected from these serious diseases.”

To check your child’s vaccination record or to schedule an appointment for vaccination at the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, call (260) 449-7514.

If you have other questions or concerns about measles, please call the Indiana State Department of Health’s measles hotline at

1-877-826-0011 (TTY/TTD 1-888-561-0044).

About Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease which spreads through the air when infected people cough and sneeze. It usually begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes about 7-10 days after exposure. The fever increases and can get as high as 105 degrees. Two to four days later, a red rash starts on the face and neck and spreads down the body. If you have these symptoms, please consult a healthcare provider right away.

About Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine

Measles vaccine is usually administered as MMR, a combination vaccine that provides protection against three viral diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses of MMR are needed to be fully protected against the three illnesses.