During the past week there have been two confirmed cases of measles within our region. In both cases the persons had traveled to Europe during the estimated time of infection.
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles starts with fever. Soon after, it causes a cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
Measles can have complications such as ear infections, diarrhea and pneumonia. A small percentage of people with measles develops encephalitis which is swelling of the brain.
Measles is one of the most easily spread of all human infections. Just being in the same room as someone with measles can result in infection. The best protection against measles is immunization with two doses of MMR vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles. This vaccine also provides protection against mumps and rubella.
Countries in the Caribbean have all been certified free of measles and this was achieved through high vaccination coverage. We must maintain this achievement and protect ourselves and our children from the reintroduction of this virus:
• If you have children under 10 years of age, visit your health center with your children’s vaccination cards to ensure that they are up to date with all vaccines.
• Anyone born during or after 1966 and who has never had measles infection or measles vaccination should visit their health center to get vaccinated.
• It is safe to have the vaccine more than twice, so people who are unsure should be vaccinated.
• Measles remains a common disease in many parts of the world, including areas in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally.
For more information contact the Ministry of Health at 497 3930 or the EPI Manager at 497 2540.
– Press Release
29th January 2018
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
