A measles case has been confirmed in Massachusetts. What to know to stay safe
The first measles cases since 2020 has been confirmed in Massachusetts.
The adult, who was identified as a Worcester resident by the Department of Health, had been traveling overseas.
“Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased worldwide, including here in the United States and in neighboring states in New England,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein, according to the release. “Cases of measles have been reported in 30 states since the beginning of last year, mostly in people and communities who are unvaccinated. Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles.”
Here's what to know.
What is the DPH advising MA residents to do?
The DPH said people exposed to measles from this case have already been contacted and provided appropriate public health recommendations.
But if you don't have your vaccine against measles or don't know if you do, they're urging people to " get vaccinated with at least one dose of the MMR vaccine."
Health care providers who suspect measles should call DPH at 617-983-6800 immediately for recommendations and testing guidance. Providers in Boston should call the Boston Public Health Commission at 617-534-5611.
Why are measles cases on the rise in the United States?
Currently, large measles outbreaks are occurring in Europe and elsewhere internationally, the DPH said, and most U.S. cases are associated with travel, such as this Massachusetts one.
Even so, experts have told USA Today that they are troubled by the rise in cases, which surpassed 2023 totals in March. Officials attribute the rise in cases to the drop in the U.S. vaccination rate for the deadly and preventable virus amid a global surge in cases.
Wasn't measles eradicated?
The widespread use of vaccines eradicated measles − a highly contagious virus that primarily affects children − in 2000 in the U.S., but it wasn't eradicated globally. Most current cases have originated outside the country and occur in unvaccinated people.
What is measles?
Also called rubeola, measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily and can be serious or fatal for children who are not vaccinated.
While death rates have been falling due to more widespread use of vaccines, measles still kills more than 200,000 people a year globally, mostly children, according to the Mayo Clinic.
How is measles spread?
The measles virus lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person, and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. If others breathe contaminated air or touch a surface that has been infected, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected.
It can also live for up to 2 hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves that area.
According to the CDC, the virus is so contagious that if one person has measles, up to 90% of people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. If you are infected by the measles virus and don't know it, you can still spread measles to others during a window of four days before through four days after the telltale rash appears.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles is more than a rash, though that is often the telltale sign of the virus. Here's what other symptoms the CDC says to look for if you're concerned of a potential measles infection. If you think you or your child have been exposed to measles, call your health care provider immediately as it can be dangerous, especially for babies and younger children.
The first symptoms may occur seven to 14 days after measles infection, and may present as the following:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
Two to three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots, also known as Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth.
Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash will break out. It usually begins as flat, red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, legs and feet.
Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat, red spots, and they may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body. When that rash appears, the infected person's fever may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, per the CDC.
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