Maricopa County Department of Public Health has confirmed an adult woman as its second case of measles. This individual had exposure to the family from Pinal County with confirmed cases of measles and travel history to Disneyland, as reported last week.
This newest case may have exposed individuals at the Phoenix Children’s East Valley Center between January 20 and 21, 2015.
“As you would expect, the minute Phoenix Children’s heard about a potential case of measles with exposure at one of their facilities, their team was immediately mobilized to identify and notify all who may have been exposed by this individual,” said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director for Maricopa County Public Health’s disease control division. As part of its response, Phoenix Children’s and Maricopa County Public Health are in the process of notifying the families of the 195 children who were at Phoenix Children’s East Valley Center on January 21 and 22.
Maricopa County Public Health recommends that all children who were exposed and have not had at least one dose of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine be excluded from school/daycare for the 21 day incubation period (until Feb. 11 or Feb. 12 depending on the day of exposure) to avoid potential spread. Exposed adults who were born in 1957 or later and who have not had measles disease or at least one measles vaccine should not go to work or other public places for the same 21 day incubation period. If being in public cannot be avoided, it is advised that a mask be worn.
“I said we were not out of the woods and we aren’t,” said Dr. Bob England, director of Maricopa County Department of Public Health. “Measles is wildly infectious, which is why it is so important that we identify cases quickly and do our best to stop the spread early on. That means keeping unvaccinated people who have been exposed to the disease away from others.”
Measles is a vaccine-preventable viral illness that is the most contagious disease on earth. It can easily spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. In fact, the measles virus can survive in the air for hours and may be transmitted even after an infected individual is no longer in the room/area.
“Getting your child’s vaccinations on the recommended schedule is the most important way parents can protect children from infectious diseases, like measles,” said Dr. Randy Christensen, medical staff president and director, ambulatory pediatrics, Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “The measles vaccine is safe and effective. If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your child’s pediatrician.”
You should be protected from measles if you were immunized by getting 2 doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine, or if you have previously had the disease. Healthcare providers are required to report suspect cases of measles to Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
Symptoms:
•Typically appear 7-12 days after exposure to measles but may take up to 21 days
•Begin with fever (101 F or higher), red, watery eyes, cough and runny nose
•Followed by a rash that is red, raised, and blotchy. The rash begins on the face at the hairline and moves down the body. The rash may last for 5-6 days and may turn brownish.
– See more at: http://www.maricopa.gov/pr_detail.aspx?releaseID=2828#sthash.6xip2KbV.dpuf