Measles case confirmed in Little Rock

[withoutapaddle]

http://www.thv11.com/news/health/measles-case-confirmed-in-little-rock/507616945


LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has confirmed a travel-related case of measles in Little Rock at UAMS. ADH is urging anyone who may have been exposed to measles to immediately take precautions to make sure they have had a dose of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in the past.

Anyone who was in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) emergency department from 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10 to 12:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11; or on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Thursday, Jan.11 has possibly been exposed to the measles.

People who were in the emergency department between those hours are already being contacted by ADH so that they are aware of where to get vaccinated if they are not up-to-date on the measles vaccine. The ADH is advising for anyone who may have been exposed, and who is not up-to-date on their MMR vaccine, to get the shot in the next 24 hours.

Anyone who is concerned that they may have been exposed, and who is not up-to-date on their vaccine, is encouraged to get their vaccine tomorrow. Those who get regular care from UAMS can go to the UAMS emergency department to get the vaccine. All other individuals who need the vaccine are urged to go to the Pulaski Central Health Unit at 3915 W. 8th St. in Little Rock from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 13.

“Measles is highly infectious,” said Dirk Haselow, MD, PhD, State Epidemiologist and Outbreak Response Medical Director for ADH. “The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles is to make sure you and your family are up-to-date on the MMR vaccine.”

Measles is a virus that can be spread very easily. It starts with a high fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes, followed a few days later by a rash that starts on the head and gradually moves down the body. Measles can be very serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in four people in the U.S. who get measles will be hospitalized. It usually takes anywhere from 9-21 days after someone is exposed for them to develop symptoms. Anyone who suspects they may have the measles should call into their healthcare provider before entering for instructions on how to proceed, in order to not expose others.

Because measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, it is rare in the United States. This is the first case of measles in Arkansas in three years.

[Chipper Chat]

1. I remember when I had measles in the 40s

my mom had to put a big pink sign that said MEASLES in the window. Everyone knew to stay away.

[Irish_Dem]

3. Remember how sick we were with measles, mumps, chickenpox?

Illnesses vaccinated kids don't get today.

[pansypoo53219]

9. chicken pox was not awful.

creates the shingles problem.

[Irish_Dem]

10. I suffered badly with chicken pox, and now have had shingles four times. :(

[Arkansas Granny]

8. I was only 2 years old when I had measles. My mother said that I was delirious

at times because of the high fever.

I also remember the fear of polio and what a wonderful thing it was when the Salk vaccine was available.

[dhol82]

2. They have been sending out alerts in the NYC area last few days

There was a passenger going through Newark airport that came down with measles. Wonder if it’s the same person in Little Rock?
Statement was that incubation period can go until January 20.

[shenmue]

5. I had mumps in 1981, a year before NY State made the vaccination mandatory

These idiots need to read a book or take a class or something. I can sit there and tell them how my head swelled and I had to wear bandages and it sucked.

[procon]

6. This is what happens when stupid, short sighted Republicans gut public health programs.

They are playing with fire by not rodustly funding, or even providing marginally adequate Medicaid coverage... you know, all those terrible things that were in Obamacare. Republicans are blocking CHIP and preventing critical childhood wellness coverage, there's no plan to make sure adults are included in healthcare programs so everyone can get up-to-date with free vaccines to make sure these old diseases can't make a comeback.

[Wwcd]

7. K & R your post.

CHIP & soon Medicare