Barrington infant suspected of having measles

By: Melissa Randall
mrandall@abc6.com 
@MRandallABC6
 
Parents in Barrington are on high alert after a child has come down with a suspected case of the measles. While health officials in Rhode Island say there is no public threat they are still urging people to get vaccinated. Its advice Anjali Dole is taking to heart. 
 
“He did get vaccinated,” she said of her 12-month-old son. “The health and safety of my children is the most important thing to us.”
 
Dole's son didn't come in contact with the potentially infected infant, but 59 people, including other children did. Of them 29 were considered immune, and the rest have since been immunized. 
 
The infant attended the Rock–A–Baby music program held at Temple Habonim, administrators confirmed Tuesday. While it's unclear exactly where the youngster may have contracted measles Habonim officials tell ABC6 the infant had recently traveled overseas. They added that since he or she is under 12 months old the infant was not yet vaccinated. 
 
Dr. Natalia Lukankina, a pediatrician with Memorial Hospital, says measles usually presents with high fever, pink eye, and a rash that covers the entire body. Measles is airborne and extremely contagious. 
 
“It's extremely important for all children and adults to be vaccinated so they can prevent those young children and children that can not be vaccinated for medical reasons,” said Dr. Lukankina. 
 
While Massachusetts has already had a confirmed case of the measles this year Rhode Island hasn't had one since 2013. 
 
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