May 9, 2008 - Vaccination is the Best Protection Against Measles

Hayden, ID — Confirmation of measles, a highly contagious virus, in Central Washington has prompted Panhandle Health District (PHD) to advise people to verify that they and their children are current on measles vaccinations.

“Measles is a very serious, old-fashioned childhood disease that can have some very bad side effects for some kids,” said Randi Lustig, PHD’s epidemiology program manager. “People should make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date.”

Since Jan. 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received a total of 64 reports of confirmed measles cases in nine states. Outbreaks are ongoing in Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York. PHD is particularly concerned about the 12 measles cases recently reported in Seattle and Central Washington because of the high volume of travelers between northern Idaho and Seattle.

Vaccination is the best protection against measles.

“Folks born after 1957 have no experience with measles because of the vaccine,” Lustig said. “In the year 1950, prior to the vaccine, there were 319,124 cases of measles in the United States and 468 measles-related deaths. In 2005, we had 66 cases and no deaths.”

The measles virus causes rash, a cough, runny nose, eye irritation and fever. Symptoms appear a week to three weeks after exposure. The virus can lead to ear infections, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and death.

Measles spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It’s contagious four days before and four days after a rash starts. Exposure can occur up to two hours after an infected person has departed an area.

The measles vaccine requires two doses for 99 percent effectiveness. Children take the first dose when they’re 12 to 15 months old. At least 28 days must separate the two doses, but children typically take the second dose between the ages of 4 and 6.

Adults born after 1957 should get at least one dose of the measles vaccine unless they can show they’ve had either the vaccine or the disease.

Pregnant women should wait until after giving birth to get the vaccine. People with life-threatening allergic reactions to gelatin, neomycin or previous doses of the measles vaccine should not take the vaccine.

Because the virus spreads so easily, people with symptoms should call their health care provider before visiting. Calling ahead will protect others from exposure.

If vaccination records show a need for a measles vaccine, call your health care provider or the Panhandle Health District, 415-5270. For questions about measles, call Mary Petty, PHD nurse epidemiologist, at 415-5295 or visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/sub_measles.htm.

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