(COLDWATER) – A local health organization says measles have been found in the tri-state area.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says new cases of measles have been identified in Oakland County, Michigan; Lake County, Indiana and Montgomery County Ohio. Based on that information, the CHA is urging all residents of St. Joseph, Branch and Hillsdale Counties who are not vaccinated or do not know if they have been vaccinated to prevent measles, to receive the measles vaccine.

Individuals and parents are encouraged to check on their own, or their child’s vaccine status by contacting your local health department office. You can also check on line. Click Here.

Heidi Hazel, CHA Director of Personal Health and Disease Prevention says measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases. Anyone who has not had the measles, or who has not been fully immunized is susceptible. Hazel says measles is a vaccine preventable respiratory infection that can have very serious complications, including secondary infections resulting in hospitalization, pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, and even death.

Signs and symptoms of measles can begin with a high fever, red eyes, cough, runny nose, and is followed by a red, raised body rash starting on the head and face that then spreads to the rest of the body. Measles patients often experience eye pain and sensitivity to light.

Children and adults can get vaccinations at any of the CHA offices. Please call the office closest to you to make an appointment.