Date: May 4, 2006

Measles Alert - Importance Of Immunizations

The Nassau County Department of Health is advising the public and health care professions that there has been the first case of measles in Nassau County in three years.  The confirmed case, a 2-year old girl who had not been immunized, underscores the importance of having children immunized. 

All those who have been in contact with the child have been notified.  The Health Department recommended that those individuals who have not been fully immunized with two doses of measles vaccine should receive measles vaccine as soon as possible.  The Nassau County Department of Health will be providing vaccine to those who have been exposed.

Measles is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people, or, less frequently, by airborne transmission.  Measles is one of the most readily transmitted communicable diseases.  Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age. 

Measles symptoms generally appear in two stages: Early symptoms include a runny nose, cough and a slight fever.  Eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light, while the fever consistently rises each day. Later symptoms begin on the third to seventh day and consist of a temperature of 103-105 F, and a red, blotchy rash lasting four to seven days.  The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads over the entire body.  Little white spots may also appear on the gums and inside the cheeks. Symptoms usually appear in 10-12 days, although they may occur as early as seven or as late as 18 days after exposure.

In the interest of preventing the spread of this highly communicable disease, the Nassau County Department of Health asks individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles, CALL their physicians, health care providers or emergency rooms BEFORE going for care so that others are not exposed in a waiting room. The Health Department has notified all emergency rooms, the Nassau County Medical Society and the Nassau Pediatric Society that an individual with measles has been diagnosed in Nassau County.

The Health Department also is asking all health providers to report IMMEDIATELY, by phone, any cases of suspect measles to the Health Department Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 571-3471.  A blood test to confirm the diagnosis should be obtained.

For additional information about measles, contact our website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/health.