By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
Officials at Turku University Hospital (Tyks) report that a child with measles has potentially exposed up to 150 people in the facility.
The child visited the hospital’s pediatric unit on Thursday–include the pediatric reception area on Thursday (8/19) between 12.15pm and 2.15pm as well as the Mäntymäen health clinic for infectious diseases on Wednesday (8/18) from 10am to noon.
Tyks said it would contact individuals it deemed at risk. Those concerned about a potential exposure can also call the hospital at 02 313 0263.
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Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In fact, the measles virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person was there. People may be infected by simply being in a room where an infected person once was. It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected.
Measles can be prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children receive their first dose of MMR vaccine between 12-15 months of age and a second dose between 4-6 years old. More than 95% of the people who receive a single dose of MMR will develop immunity to all three viruses. A second dose boosts immunity, typically enhancing protection to 98%.
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