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NOTE: This news was released by the Benton County Health Department. August 9, 2003 Contact: Bonnie Widerburg (503) 731-4180 Technical contacts: Paul Cieslak, M.D. (503) 572-7689 Tom Eversole, Benton County Health Department, (541) 541/766-6838 Public health officials confirm measles in student A case of measles has been diagnosed in an international visitor studying at Oregon State University this month, public health officials at the state Department of Human Services (DHS) said today. DHS and Benton County public health officials are investigating the case and have already provided immunizations to 15 persons who could potentially be exposed. "The health department and OSU officials are working together, taking active measures to protect members of the local community from exposure," said Tom Eversole, Benton County Health Administrator. "We want to prevent the spread of additional measles cases," said Paul Cieslak, M.D., communicable disease manager in DHS. "We also want the public to be aware that measles is still out there. Parents need to protect their children by making sure they have all their shots." Measles is highly contagious and is transmitted through the air. It usually begins with a cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and fever. These symptoms are followed by a red, blotchy rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Cieslak cautioned that persons with a rash illness and a fever should not just "drop in" to their physician's office or to the emergency room. "Measles is very contagious, and dropping in on doctors' offices or emergency rooms can expose dozens of other patients. We advise those who suspect that they might have measles to call beforehand and arrange an appointment where other patients will not be exposed," Cieslak stated. "Persons are no longer contagious four days after the rash has appeared." "Although most people with measles do fine, the disease can be fatal," said Cieslak. Adults born during or after 1957 who have not had measles or aren't sure if they have had measles should receive one dose of measles vaccine. College students and children one year of age and older should receive two doses of measles vaccine, given at least one month apart. Adults born before 1957 have probably already had measles and are presumed to be immune. "Health-care workers have been at higher risk of measles in recent outbreaks," said Cieslak. "Therefore, they should be sure that they are immune; if unsure, they should consult their infection-control professionals about the need for vaccination." Health-care providers who suspect measles in a patient should report the suspected case to the patient's local health department right away, according to Cieslak. A 1999 measles outbreak in Oregon infected nine persons. The last Oregon case occurred in 2001. For more information on measles, see the DHS public health Web site. |
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