Measles Outbreak in the United States

A measles outbreak has been reported in the United States. This has been linked to an introduction from someone in Switzerland visiting Arizona. The first case was reported on February 12, 2008 when an adult visitor from Switzerland was hospitalized with the measles and pneumonia. Still ongoing there has been nine confirmed cases through March 31, 2008 in Arizona. And two other suspected cases in which one is a resident from Colorado. These nine cases that have been confirmed range from the ages of 10 months to 50 years old. All of these were infected in the healthcare setting except for one. And all these cases were individuals that were unvaccinated during the time of exposure.

In the months of January and February of 2008, there has been an outbreak of 11 measles cases in San Diego. The initial exposure is also believed to have come from a child that had recently visited Switzerland. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention also known as the CDC there is currently an ongoing outbreak of the measles in Switzerland.

Confirmed measles cases have also been reported in New York City and Virginia. There are also two other measles cases confirmed in Michigan in unvaccinated siblings which may have had exposure during a stop over in the Atlanta airport.

What you should know about the measles:

Measles is a very highly contagious disease. It is transmitted by respiratory droplets and is spread via airborne particles. It can result in severe complications including pneumonia. Measles has an incubation period from 7 to 18 days. The diagnosis of this disease should be highly considered in anyone presenting with a rash lasting about 3 days, fever, cough and/or conjunctivitis.

Anyone who is known to have come into contact with someone that may have the measles or symptoms of the measles and develop fever and/or a rash should be immediately evaluated by a health care provider. And they should be considered as a suspected case of the measles until proven otherwise.

Measles is preventable if properly vaccinated. If unsure about vaccination status a titer can be drawn at a health care facility to determine immunity, however during a measles outbreak additional vaccine recommendations should be considered.

Further information on measles and the vaccination can be obtained at local state health department's website and also at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/measles/default.htm.

Resources:
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http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/measles/default.htm.