The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department will host four community clinics around the county for people who want to receive the measles vaccine.

The clinics will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m.:

• Feb 18. at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St., meeting room B.

• Feb. 24 at the Baldwin City Recreation Office, 705 High St.

• Feb 26 at the Eudora Community Recreation Center, 1603 Elm St.

• March 3 at the Lecompton United Methodist Church, 402 Elmore St.

The health department also offers the vaccine on a walk-in basis at its offices, 200 Maine St.

Attendees should bring their health insurance information. The department accepts all insurance.

A national outbreak of the measles has affected over 100 people in 17 states. No cases have been reported in Kansas, but it has appeared in Nebraska and Colorado.

Symptoms of the measles include a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Later, a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out, starting at the head and spreading to the rest of the body. The rash can last for a week, and coughing can last for 10 days. The disease can cause serious health complications and, in rare cases, death.

Dr. Thomas Marcellino, a health officer for the department, said residents should check their immunization records or get a blood test through their health care provider to make sure they have been vaccinated.