A measles outbreak among dozens of employees of Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture in southern Japan has been reported, according to local media (computer translated).

Image/DasWortgewand
Image/DasWortgewand

According to the report, a total of 31 airport employees have contracted the very contagious viral disease.

Last week, Kansai International Airport reported on their Facebook page a total of 16 cases of Aug. 31. In addition, in a press release on the same day the company said they notified their employees that if they are exhibiting symptoms they should not come to work.

This all comes after reports of Japan authorities warned of a possible measles outbreak after a measles infected fan went to a Justin Bieber concert near Tokyo.

Related: How contagious is measles? Answer: Very

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which affects mostly children. It is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons. Initial symptoms, which usually appear 10–12 days after infection, include high fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. Several days later, a rash develops, starting on the face and upper neck and gradually spreading downwards.

There is no specific treatment for measles and most people recover within 2–3 weeks. However, particularly in malnourished children and people with reduced immunity, measles can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, ear infection and pneumonia. Measles can be prevented by immunization.

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