Alabama Department of Public Health determines there are no active measles cases in the state

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Following an investigation of an unvaccinated person believed to have had the measles, the Alabama Department of Public Health has concluded that there are no active measles cases in the state.

On Saturday, the ADPH began an investigation regarding a person in Lee County regarding a possible exposure to the measles. By Tuesday, PCR testing was reported as negative.

“Due to the extremely contagious risk of measles in unvaccinated persons, ADPH regularly launches preliminary investigations on suspected cases, while testing is in process, to ensure that vulnerable people are informed and protected,” the ADPH said on Facebook Tuesday.

At the time, the unvaccinated person was reportedly too young to have received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

“While ADPH has determined that this is not a case of measles, I urge all Alabamians to be vigilant in ensuring that eligible persons are up to date on the MMR vaccine,” ADPH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Karen Landers said in the statement. “The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. High rates of MMR vaccine in our state will protect our children, our families, and our citizens from this severe and deadly disease.”