ADAMS COUNTY, Ind. (WLKI)- The Indiana Department of Health is reporting a confirmed case of measles in Adams County.
The department's online dashboard showed one known case in Adams County as of September 22. Statewide, Indiana has reported 16 known cases.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that can spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes or talks. Health officials say the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
According to the Indiana Department of Health, as many as nine out of 10 unprotected people nearby can become infected after exposure to someone with measles.
Symptoms can include a rash, high fever, cough, watery eyes and a runny nose. In some cases, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling.
Health officials say vaccination with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is the best protection against the virus.