Latest news with #DuvalCountyHealthDepartment
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Update: Duval teacher shares test results after measles scare
Action News Jax told you about a Duval County teacher last week concerned that she might have measles. The teacher, whose identity was concealed to avoid panic, was frustrated after encountering difficulties getting tested here. She said she was turned away from an urgent care, the Duval County Health Department, and the Health Department's Immunization Department. Read: Texas passes 600 cases of measles. Here's what to know about the US outbreaks The teacher was advised to contact her primary care doctor. A test was ordered for her last week and she informed Action News Jax on Tuesday that the results were negative. An infectious disease expert told Action News Jax that people who believe they may be infected should call their primary care doctor before going to their doctor's office or the hospital. Dr. William Raszka, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Vermont Medical Center, said the virus is so contagious, it can linger in a room hours after the infected person has left. Razska said the measles vaccination is the best defense against the virus. He says that there are tests available that can check for antibodies, too. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The doctor adds that children and unvaccinated people are especially vulnerable to the virus. He says that now is the time to check your vaccination records to make sure you're protected. Florida residents wanting to request their vaccination records can find that information here. Texas has more than 600 known cases of measles on Tuesday as the outbreak in the western part of the state approaches the three-month mark. The U.S. was up to 800 cases of measles nationwide on Friday. Two unvaccinated elementary school-aged children died from measles-related illnesses in the epicenter in West Texas, and an adult in New Mexico who was not vaccinated died of a measles-related illness. Other states with active outbreaks — defined as three or more cases — include Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Mexico. The U.S. has more than double the number of measles cases it saw in all of 2024. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Related: RFK Jr.'s mixed message about the measles outbreaks draws criticism from health officials Read: Video shows aftermath of teen shot by officer while playing 'Senior Assassins' [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Northeast Florida woman said she was turned away from measles testing: How to get yours
A local woman told Action News Jax that after experiencing symptoms of the measles, she couldn't find a healthcare facility that offered measles testing. The woman wanted to keep her identity concealed because she is a local schoolteacher, but she shared pictures of what she believes may be rashes. 'I just can't believe that this community is not better set up for somebody who needs to get tested for measles, ya know?' she tells us. The woman says she visited an urgent care, the Duval County Health Department, and the Health Department's Immunization Department, and they all turned her away. Now, infectious disease experts are weighing in on what people should do if they think they may be infected. Related: US measles cases surpass 700 with outbreaks in six states. Here's what to know Dr. William Raszka says that because the virus is so contagious, it's best that people call their primary care doctors before going in. From there, a doctor should be able to guide the next steps. The doctor goes on to add that the virus is so contagious, it can linger in a room hours after the infected person has left. 'I think everyone should get the vaccine. I think the vaccine is incredibly effective in preventing measles,' Raszka says. Related: RFK Jr.'s mixed message about the measles outbreaks draws criticism from health officials Dr. Razska, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Vermont Medical Center, says that the measles vaccination is the best defense against the virus. He says that there are tests available that can check for antibodies, too. The doctor adds that children and unvaccinated people are especially vulnerable to the virus. He says that now is the time to check your vaccination records to make sure you're protected. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] For the woman who is remaining anonymous, she says she finally got a breakthrough when she was able to get a virtual appointment with her doctor, who is now ordering a measles test for her. Action News Jax has reached out to the Duval County Health Department and the state health department to learn more about what people should do if they think they've been infected. At the time of this publication, we have not heard back from them. Florida residents wanting to request their vaccination records can find that information here. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
