Be RebAware
On Friday, January 23, 2015, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Alert Network issued an advisory regarding the multi-state measles outbreak which began in California in December.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral illness which can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. It starts with a fever. Soon after, it causes a cough, runny nose and red eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
I thought the measles was wiped out in the United States. How come it’s back?
Measles was declared eliminated (i.e., interruption of year-round endemic transmission) in the U.S. in 2000, because of high population immunity achieved by high two-dose measles vaccine coverage and a highly effective measles vaccine. However, measles is still endemic in many parts of the world, and outbreaks can occur in the U.S. when unvaccinated groups are exposed to imported measles virus. This multi-state outbreak underscores the ongoing risk of importation of measles, and the need for high measles vaccine coverage.
How does the disease spread?
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person has it, 90 percent of the people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected. The measles virus can linger in the air and on surfaces up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.
How long is the incubation period?
In most cases it is 8-12 days from exposure to the onset of symptoms, with a range reported of 7-21 days to develop measles.
How long is someone infectious?
Persons with measles are considered to be contagious from the time period of 4 days PRIOR to the onset of the rash to 4 days AFTER the appearance of the rash. In immunocompromised patients, the period of contagiousness may last longer.
Who is considered immune to measles?
If you fall into one of the following categories you are considered immune to measles:
- You were born prior to 1957. Persons born prior to 1957 likely had measles or were exposed to the virus, yielding immunity.
- You received 2 prior measles containing vaccines (MMR) after the age of 12 months, with the second vaccine separated by at least 28 days from the first vaccine. Anyone with two or more doses of the vaccine is considered 99 percent immune.
- Laboratory evidence confirming immunity to measles.
- Measles infection at some point in your life.
What if I am unsure about my immunity to measles?
If you are unsure or are unable to document that you fall into one of the categories listed above, you may ask your physician to test your blood for presence of protective antibodies to measles. Another option would be to obtain another MMR vaccine.
Should I obtain a measles booster vaccine now?
People who received 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine as children after the age of 12 months, with a minimum of 28 days separated between vaccines are considered immune for life and there is no recommendation for further booster administration.
Proof of immunization with 2 doses of MMR vaccine is an admission requirement for all University of Mississippi students, so our student population is generally safe. Faculty and staff should check their immunization status.
Are any age groups or people with particular health risks more at risk?
Babies under one year old because they are not yet vaccinated. Also pregnant women; people with compromised immune systems, including those being treated for cancer or HIV. Even people who have arthritis and are taking medications that suppress immune systems may be at risk.
What should I do to protect myself and my family?
Check your vaccination records and make sure everyone is up to date. If you are unable to locate immunization records, you can document your immune status by a blood test. Alternatively, you can elect to get two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by 4 weeks.
Where can I get a measles vaccine?
UM students and employees can get the vaccine at the Student Health Pharmacy and at Employee Health. The Lafayette County Health Department offers the vaccine, as well as some of our local health clinics.