Health officials in Collin County, Texas have confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated person who traveled internationally.
The person attended Plano West Senior High School between Aug. 14–16 during their infectious period. The individual also spent a limited amount of time, while contagious, at Whole Foods Preston Park Colonnade on Aug. 14, between noon and 1 p.m. There were no other public locations reported by the individual.
Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) is working to contact persons at private locations at this time. Currently, there are no secondary cases.
The cost of measles: A CDC review
Collin County Health Care Service’s Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Jawaid Asghar reminds the community to “talk to your doctor about the benefits of immunization and get vaccinated if you are eligible or able.”
The MMR vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective against measles. With the recommended two doses, the effectiveness of preventing measles is 97 percent. The first dose of the vaccine is recommended for all children 12-15 months with the second dose following between 4-6 years of age.
Measles is highly contagious and is transmitted primarily from person to person by respiratory droplets and airborne spread. Individuals are contagious from four days before the onset of a rash to four days after the rash appears. Infectious droplets can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area.
How contagious is measles? Answer: Very
Symptoms of measles include rash, fever of 101°F or higher, cough, runny nose, or eye redness. Any person suspected of having measles should contact their health care provider and stay at home until four days after the rash onset has passed.
People suspected to have contact with this individual should monitor themselves for symptoms of measles for 21 days after exposure.
If you experience or have experienced measles symptoms, or if you have questions, please contact your healthcare provider immediately. Measles is a very contagious airborne disease. If you develop symptoms and decide you want to be seen at your doctor’s office or at a healthcare facility, such as an emergency department or emergency clinic, please call them first and inform them you were possibly exposed to measles so that they may implement necessary precautions to inhibit further spread of the disease.
A ridiculous measles vaccine article examined
