Measles
As you might have already heard on the news, 3 new cases of measles have been reported in the state, one on Maui and two on Kauai. Although the cases are unrelated, each are in unvaccinated young adults with recent travel to either the Philippines, Indonesia, or Malaysia. Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is highly contagious that is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. It infects approximately 90% of the contacts who are not immune. The state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park reports that "measles outbreaks continue to occur both internationally and on the mainland, especially in areas where vaccination is declining." Hawaii has a total of 5 confirmed cases reported in the state this year. Again measles is a vaccine preventable disease and the best prevention is to get your child vaccinated.
Symptoms begin about 14 days after a person is initially infected and include:
• Blotchy red rash
• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Feeling run down, achy (malaise)
• Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik's spots -- not always present)
A typical case of measles begins with mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and sore throat. Two or three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (Koplik’s spots) may appear inside the mouth.
Three to five days after the start of symptoms, a red or reddish-brown rash appears. The rash usually begins on a person’s face at the hairline and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. When the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
After a few days, the fever subsides and the rash fades.
Symptoms begin about 14 days after a person is initially infected and include:
• Blotchy red rash
• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Feeling run down, achy (malaise)
• Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik's spots -- not always present)
A typical case of measles begins with mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and sore throat. Two or three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (Koplik’s spots) may appear inside the mouth.
Three to five days after the start of symptoms, a red or reddish-brown rash appears. The rash usually begins on a person’s face at the hairline and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. When the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
After a few days, the fever subsides and the rash fades.
How long is a person with measles contagious?
A person is contagious from 4 days before to at least 4 days after the start of rash. Infected persons with an immunocompromising condition may be contagious for longer
What is the treatment for measles?
There is no specific treatment for measles. Care of patients with measles consists mainly of providing fluids, bed rest, and fever control
Should a person with measles stay home from work or school?
Yes. Any person diagnosed with measles should stay away from school or work for 4 days after the rash begins.
What are our schools doing to prevent the spread of measles?
- We are recommending that all children comply with the public school State requirement and get their MMR vaccination from the healthcare provider if they have not already.
- Promoting proper hand hygiene, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or singing happy birthday twice
- Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
- If you notice that your child develops any of the aforementioned symptoms associated with measles to contact your primary healthcare provider
If you have any further questions you can either contact your primary healthcare provider or visit the Hawaii DOH website or the CDC website for updates.
No comments:
Post a Comment