LAS VEGAS " Las Vegas health officials are encouraging people to make sure they're vaccinated against the measles, after learning that a foreign traveler who visited recently was later diagnosed with the disease.
The Southern Nevada Health District says the man was from Italy, and was in town June 20-21. But local health officials don't know where he stayed or what he did while he was here.
District spokeswoman Stephanie Bethel says the risk of contracting the disease is low for people who've had the measles or were vaccinated against the disease.
Many people born before 1957 had measles in childhood, and younger people are routinely vaccinated against it.
The district is advising people to check their immunization history, and says anyone who develops symptoms to seek medical attention.
Measles can result in life-threatening infections. Symptoms can begin about 10 days after exposure and include a fever as high as 103 to 105 for two to four days, a runny nose, cough and red eyes. A rash appears about two weeks after exposure and can last five to six days.
The health district is offering immunizations Monday through Friday at five clinics in and around Las Vegas.
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