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Measles Case In TIA Passenger Spurs Local Precautions

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TBO.com

Published: December 19, 2008

The Hillsborough County Health Department has learned that a person traveling through the area from the United Kingdom has tested positive for measles.

The person arrived at Tampa International Airport at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Measles is highly contagious and can be spread through talking, coughing and sneezing, according to the health department.

"While these symptoms could look like the common cold or other problems, fortunately there are other distinguishing symptoms including a very characteristic rash that starts on the head, face, and neck, and eventually spreads to the abdomen, arms, and legs. … Doctors can also see tiny white spots on the inside of the infected person's mouth," Douglas Holt, the department's director, says in a written statement released today.

The health department is advising a visit to a doctor for anyone who was at the airport from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday and has developed these symptoms.

The health department also is telling health care providers about the case.

The health department says people who flew with the affected passenger are being contacted by public health agencies and that the patient is receiving medical care and is under close supervision.

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