Measles Outbreak

VACCINE still best defense against measles

June 10, 2011 Chassea Golden Robinson, RN, MPH 978-281-9771

The number of measles cases in the United States since January 2011 is growing in a way not seen since the mid 1990s. There have been 118 confirmed cases of measles reported in the United States this year and many more suspected cases of the disease. As of May 26 seventeen cases had been identified in Massachusetts and of those, 12 had been confirmed since the beginning of May. The cases have ranged in age from 10 months to 65 years. Most of the cases occurred among individuals who had traveled internationally and of those individuals, most were not immunized. Measles is still endemic in many parts of the world and outbreaks are currently occurring throughout Europe. In France, more than 7,500 cases have been reported between January and March of 2011.

Measles is a highly contagious disease and therefore very easy to spread from person to person. When a person with measles coughs or sneezes, the virus may remain suspended in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms usually begin approximately 7-14 days after a person comes in contact with the measles virus. Usually a case of measles begins with a moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and sore throat. A couple of days after symptoms begin, a person develops a red blotchy rash which often begins on the face and spreads down to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. People with measles are contagious 4 days before their rash begins so they may transmit the virus before they ever know that they are ill. It is estimated that 90% of contacts who are exposed to a case of measles will come down with the disease if they are not vaccinated.

Approximately 30% of people with measles will develop complications. Measles often causes diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. Deafness, blindness, seizure disorders and other brain diseases with measles can occur, but are less common. Measles can also cause swelling of the brain and death, although this is rare in the United States. Measles is most dangerous for children under 5 years of age, adults over 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

Fortunately, there is a very effective vaccine to prevent measles. In fact, use of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine (MMR) throughout the United States has led to a greater than 99% reduction in measles cases as compared to the amount of cases seen before the vaccine was available. It is recommended that children receive one dose of MMR between 12-15 months of age and again when they are 4-6 years of age. Adults born before 1957 are considered immune to measles. However, those born after 1957 who may become pregnant, work in clinical settings, travel internationally, or are in college should have two doses of MMR vaccine. For additional information regarding measles and the MMR vaccine, please contact the Public Health Nurse at 978-281-9771.