What you need to know about Measles Published Feb. 5, 2015 97th Medical Group ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- You may have seen the recent news regarding the outbreak of measles in California. Most of the cases have been connected to Disneyland/Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif. Measles was eliminated in the U.S. in the year 2000, yet an influx of the disease has risen in recent years due to foreign travel and unvaccinated individuals. Measles is contracted by coming into contact with an infected person, generally through coughing and sneezing. The infected droplets are active and remain contagious for several hours. A person can be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then placing their fingers in their mouth, nose, or rubbing their eyes. Measles is contagious from four days before until four days after the rash appears, and can cause pneumonia, ear infection, and severe diarrhea. Anyone who has not been vaccinated is susceptible. The risk of death from measles is higher in adults and infants, than it is for children. The symptoms of measles begin to show approximately 10 to 14 days after exposure. Typical signs and symptoms include: · Fever · Dry cough · Sore throat · Inflamed eyes · Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek. · A skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another There is no specific antiviral treatment for a measles infection, but measures can be taken to protect people who have been exposed to the virus. Non-immunized people, including infants, may be given the measles vaccination within 72 hours of exposure to the virus to provide protection against the infection. In these cases, if measles develops, the illness generally has milder symptoms and lasts a shorter amount of time. Pregnant women, infants and people with weakened immune systems may receive serum immunoglobulin infusions, which, if given within six days of exposure, can prevent measles or make symptoms less severe. Medications can be given to help reduce fever and antibiotics can be given if a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or an ear infection develops. The best way to prevent being infected with measles is to get vaccinated. If you or someone in your household develops symptoms consistent with the disease, please isolate them from others and contact your local health clinic to receive further guidance. If a non-immunized individual has a known exposure to someone with measles, quarantine is necessary until it is determined that they have not contracted the illness. Keep anyone who is not immunized away from the infected person to prevent spreading the infection. For more information, please consult your healthcare provider or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: http://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Public Health at 481-5488.