In a follow-up on the measles situation in Thailand, health officials have reported 613 cases from 47 provinces through Feb. 4.
Of the total, 109 cases involved complications and two deaths were recorded.
The provinces with the highest rates of cases include Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkla, Yala and Petchburi.
More than 5,000 cases were reported in 2018, primarily in the southern parts of the country.
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Measles infection typically causes a rash, fever, conjunctivitis (red eyes), cough or runny nose. The rash usually starts four days after the other symptoms. The rash starts on the forehead, spreads behind the ears and then down the trunk. Measles infection can have serious complications such as pneumonia, seizures and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). 1-2 people out of every 1,000 who become infected with measles will die.
The best way to prevent measles infection is with 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. It is 99% effective at preventing measles infection. The first dose of the MMR is usually given to children at 12 months of age, with a second dose given at 4-5 years of age.
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