The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) yesterday urged the public to take precautions against measles as the nation saw its 16th case of the viral infection so far this year.
A 24-year-old Taiwanese woman was confirmed to have contracted measles on June 6 after she came into contact with a previous confirmed case, a 45-year-old Taiwanese woman who got infected in China, the CDC said.
The latest patient, also the second indigenous one reported this year, might have gotten infected on May 24, when she and the 45-year-old shared the same waiting area to see a doctor, the CDC said.
However, none of the other 136 people who came into contact with either of the two women have developed symptoms of measles, the CDC said, adding that it would continue to monitor this group of people until Wednesday.
The agency called for caution amid higher instances of measles infections in neighboring countries than in previous years.
China, for example, reported 35,677 measles cases during the first five months of this year — a 95 percent increase over last year.
Travelers to affected countries are advised to pay attention to personal hygiene and seek medical treatment if they develop symptoms like fever, nasal inflammation or rash, the CDC said.
The measles virus infects the respiratory system, immune system and skin.
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