Local health officials announced Friday morning that laboratory testing has ruled out measles in the suspected case in Hopkins County.
The lab results follow an announcement Wednesday afternoon from Hopkins County Public Health Director Denise Beach, who stated at that time an epidemiological investigation was underway regarding a suspected measles case.
On Friday, Beach explained that when a healthcare provider is concerned about a rash illness, initial precautions are always taken. She added that if a case of measles or any other communicable disease of public concern is confirmed, the public will be notified and the health department will launch an investigation
Beach noted that measles cases are increasing in the United States due to vaccine hesitancy. She emphasized the seriousness of the disease, explaining that measles is among the most contagious viruses and leads to 1 to 3 deaths per 1,000 cases in developed countries. Beach also highlighted the global impact, stating that measles causes approximately 100,000 deaths each year in children under five worldwide.
