INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Measles was officially eliminated in the United States in 2000, but cases are now spreading nationwide, including in Putnam County, Indiana.

The Putnam County Health Department confirmed its first case this year. This comes after eight people were diagnosed with the disease in Allen County earlier this year.

“It’s likely due to decreased herd immunity, decreased vaccine rates amongst people living here,” said Dr. Patrick Milligan, infectious disease expert at Community Health Network.

The Putnam County Health Department said there is no outbreak and the overall risk to the public is low, but Milligan said you should still get the MMR vaccine to protect you, your family, and community.

Measles is highly contagious. It’s an airborne disease that can be spread throug

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