DURHAM, N.C. – Durham and state public health officials continue to closely monitor a recent measles outbreak that has affected residents in Orange and Stokes counties.

As a proactive measure to prevent the spread of the disease, Durham is one of 19 counties that has been granted “liberal use” status for the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine by the North Carolina Immunization Branch.

This status allows local health departments to offer the MMR vaccine to anyone older than 12 months of age, who has not been vaccinated or is uncertain of their of their vaccination status.

“In light of the current measles investigation in neighboring Orange County, this is a very good time for residents to double check and make sure that their MMR, as well as other vaccinations, are up-to-date,” said Public Health Director Gayle B. Harris. “Measles can easily be prevented by getting the MMR shot.”

During the liberal use period, the Durham County Department of Public Health’s Immunization Clinic, located in Lobby 7 of the Durham County Human Services Building at 414 East Main Street, will provide the vaccine for free, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., and again from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No appointment is required.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. It also can be transmitted through contact with secretions from the nose or mouth of an infected person. Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, watery red eyes and cough. After a few days, a rash appears on the head and spreads over the entire body.  Measles can lead to pneumonia and other complications, especially in young children. The disease poses serious risks for pregnant women, including miscarriage and premature birth.

Although the early symptoms of measles can be similar to those of many other infections, it is recommended that anyone with fever, runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough, should stay at home and limit contact with others to avoid spreading illness. If you develop a rash or if your symptoms worsen, call your doctor or seek medical care. If you do seek medical care, call your doctor’s office or health care facility before you go so they can prepare for your visit and protect other patients from exposure.

For more information about immunization services offered by the Durham County Department of Public Health, visit www.dconc.gov/publichealth or call (919) 560-7600.

For more information about measles, visit the North Carolina Division of Public Health’s Epidemiology Section website at http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/diseases/rubeola.html.

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