Measles

Measles cases have been reported in our area of Florida! As of February 28, there have been 9 cases in Broward County and one adult case in Polk County.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It was previously well-controlled with vaccination but unfortunately, due to significant amounts of misinformation, vaccination rates for measles are declining. There is NO proven association or causation between the MMR vaccine and autism. The physician who published the original paper falsified his data, and has lost his license to practice medicine anywhere in the United States. Multiple legitimate studies have shown no association between vaccination and autism.

Symptoms

Symptoms of measles include fever (may be up to 105), sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth. Classic rash of measles is a red, flat or raised, scaly rash starting on the hairline or face, then moving down to the trunk and the arms and legs. The rash does NOT involve the palms and soles.

People at High Risk for Complications

Those at high risk for severe illness and complications from measles include:

• Infants and children younger than age 5
• Adults older than age 20
• Pregnant individuals
• People with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia, immunosuppressant agents, HIV infection

Measles is one of the most contagious of all infectious diseases. Approximately 9 out of 10 susceptible people with close contact to a measles patient will develop measles. The virus is airborne and can be transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Vaccine Recommendations

The CDC states that the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine is very safe and effective. 2 doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; 1 dose is about 93% effective.