Got measles?
By Ann Byrd, Clinical pharmacist
Hopefully your answer is “no”, however, more and more may answer “yes” as the largest outbreak this country has seen in decades, continues.
Having been a pharmacist with the Department of Veterans Affairs for more than 20 years, I feel it’s my responsibility to educate where/when I can on important subjects, especially on topics that are new, rarely talked about, or making a comeback (we like this in sports, but not medicine.)
Before the measles vaccine was developed, close to 50,000 people were hospitalized and 400-500 people died in the United States each year. Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, however, due to the declining vaccination rates this is no longer the case.
Measles is airborne and extremely contagious, and once infected, a person can spread measles from 4 days before to 4 days after an infection rash develops. If one person has measles, 9 out of 10 people around that person will become infected if not protected. It can even remain contagious on surfaces for up to 2 hours!
Measles can be prevented with a vaccine given in two doses to children, and adults born after 1957 are recommended to have two vaccines at least 28 days apart. Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant within 4 weeks after getting the vaccine should NOT get the vaccine, as it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or early delivery.
Measles is not seasonal, and has similar symptoms to cold/flu, or allergy symptoms. Common symptoms are runny nose, red/watery eyes, and cough, and may occur 8-12 days after exposure, but the rash is a good indicator for measles. It usually takes 7-18 days to develop rash and typically starts on face and neck then spreads. Lab testing is needed to confirm measles infection, so if you have been exposed or have symptoms, please call your medical provider right away.
So, when traveling for spring break, summer vacation, or camp (hunting or sports), make sure vaccinations are up to date (at least 2 weeks before international travel).
Be sure to talk with your provider about your vaccination status (especially measles!) during your next visit.
Let’s leave the spots to the cheetahs!