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4 unvaccinated children get measles in Sarasota County, health officials say

Health officials in Sarasota are warning about multiple confirmed cases of measles.
New numbers from the Texas State Health Department indicate that we have up to 57,000 kids whose parents have opted out of vaccines for school.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Four unvaccinated children in close contact with each other have been sickened by measles in Sarasota County, health officials have confirmed.

The cases were acquired locally, and the source is not yet known.

Florida Department of Health Spokesperson Steve Huard told 10News there was no reason to believe there are any other cases at this time, but he added this situation is a good reminder for parents to vaccinate their kids against the viral infection.

Recent: Private school makes vaccinations mandatory amid outbreaks of measles, chickenpox

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of measles typically begin with high fever, cough, a runny nose and red or watery eyes. After two to three days, tiny white spots might begin appearing inside a person's mouth. A few days later, a rash generally breaks out.

Measles complications often include diarrhea and ear infections. In some rare cases, severe complications can include pneumonia or brain swelling. One or two out of every 1,000 children who gets measles will die, according to CDC statistics.

Click here for more information about measles vaccinations.

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