Update on Measles Outbreak
Dear Members,
As you are probably aware, there is currently a large measles outbreak in Texas. This email is to inform you and empower you and your family to remain safe.
Things to know: The area where the outbreak occurred (a tight knit mennonite community), has the lowest vaccination rates in the state of Texas. Unfortunately Wednesday, a little child, who was unvaccinated died from the disease.
For the past year there have been increasing outbreaks of measles around the world. There are now cases in New Mexico, New Jersey (3 cases as of this writing), Pennsylvania, and in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario in Canada. Additionally, there have been 2 cases this year in NYC.
Measles is one of the most contagious illnesses that exists. 90% of people who are not immune to measles (unvaccinated, or the vaccine didn’t work) will contract the disease if exposed. It stays airborne for up to 2 hours after a person with it coughs or sneezes and leaves a room. It can stay on surfaces for up to 2 hours as well, spread by contact and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
In order to have herd immunity, there has to be a 95% measles vaccination rate. Currently, there are no counties in NYS meeting this number.
Measles starts similarly to most viral infections with a fever (usually high and can spike to 104F or 40c), runny nose, cough and red, watery eyes. Then 3-5 days into the illness a rash appears. The rash typically starts on the head with flat red spots and moves down the body (as if a bucket of red paint was poured on you - same spread). The rash is also one of the few rashes that occur on palms of hands and soles of feed. Usually when the rash appears, the fever spike occurs as well. Unique to measles is also the appearance of Koplik spots (small red rings in the mouth), very red and inflamed eyes and the rash.
How long is someone with measles contagious?
From 4 days prior to the rash to 4 days after the rash appears. A person can be contagious before developing symptoms.
It can occur up to 21 days after exposure.
People with measles or suspected measles needs to stay home (do not travel as it will be spread to others) and call us or contact your local health department or ER.
If you’re known to have been exposed to measles, let us or the health department know asap as the health department will supply measles vaccine within 3 days of exposure if you haven’t been immunized or immunoglobulins within 6 days of exposure. This will help prevent getting the disease.
There is no treatment for measles other than supportive care (fluids, bed rest, fever reducers). Most people will fare well but there are serious complications that can occur such as pneumonia, brain swelling(encephalitis) and death.
What can you do to protect yourself?
Vaccinate or make sure you’re immune! The MMR (measles mumps and rubella) vaccine is a two dose series 28 days apart. It is 93% effective after one dose and 97% effective after two.
Everyone 6 months and up can be vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine. This is a LIVE vaccine. Therefore, patients who are pregnant can not receive the vaccine, and those on immunosuppressant drugs, should not take it. If you are on an immunosuppressant drug, and need to take this vaccine, you should speak to your prescribing provider and ask if you can and for how long you need to hold the drug to get the vaccine and when you should restart. Most people who received the vaccine series as a child are considered protected for life. However, if in a high risk setting or traveling internationally, etc, it is good to have a one time booster.
Not sure if you’re immune? Not sure if you need the vaccine? A simple blood test can let you know (however insurance doesn't always cover it and can be $$). Contact your provider to arrange.
Born before 1957? It is assumed that you are naturally immune to measles having contracted it as a child.
Born between 1958 and 1971? Get a one time booster as an adult as the vaccine available during that time wasn’t a live vaccine and no longer considered as effective.
If you have any more questions, please contact us and we will be happy to answer them.
Stay well and be safe,
Flatiron Family Medical
@flatironfamily