Health officials in Devon, England are reporting a measles outbreak at King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) in Totnes.
According to Consultant in Health Protection, Dr Sarah Harrison in a school update, there has been nine confirmed cases and 11 suspect cases of the contagious viral disease. A BBC report Tuesday puts the tally at thirteen cases of measles and another 10 probable cases.
At least three people required hospitalization for their illness.
Harrison says anyone under the age of 25 years who has not had two doses of MMR is advised to contact their doctor to arrange immunization. Those aged 25 to 45 years who have not been immunized and are likely to have contact with affected students at KEVICC can also be immunized.
England and Wales have reported 785 measles cases to date in 2016, up from the nearly 650 cases reported from the same period last year and much more than the approximately 30 or so cases reported in the US.
Measles or rubeola, is an acute highly communicable viral disease that is characterized by Koplik spots in the cheek or tongue very early in the disease. A couple of days later a red blotchy rash appears first on the face, and then spreads, lasting 4-7 days. Other symptoms include fever, cough and red watery eyes. The patient may be contagious from four days prior to the rash appearance to four days after rash appearance.
How contagious is measles? Answer: Very
The disease is more severe in infants and adults. Complications from measles which is reported in up to 20% of people infected include; seizures, pneumonia, deafness and encephalitis.
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