 |
|
|
Sept. 5, 2003 Contact: Bonnie Widerburg, (503) 731-4180 Technical Contacts: Paul Cieslak, Dept. of Human Services
(503) 731-4024 Public health officials issue second measles alert A second measles alert in connection with an infected European visitor who traveled to Portland on Aug. 26 was issued today by public health officials at the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS). "Passengers who traveled on Lufthansa flight 468 from Frankfurt, arriving in Portland on Aug. 26, may have been exposed to measles," said Paul Cieslak, M.D., communicable disease manager in DHS. "The person who had measles has since recovered and gone home, but was infectious at the time of travel." Cieslak said Multnomah County Health Department promptly alerted people with whom the infected individual had contact after arriving in Oregon, but were unable to contact the approximately 200 passengers on the flight. "We want to make sure those most likely to have been exposed are aware of signs and symptoms of measles, which usually begin 10 to 12 days after exposure. In this case, that would be around Sept. 5 through 7." Cieslak said that measles starts with fever, cough, head cold, and eye irritation followed two to four days later by a rash. He advised that persons who were aboard the flight and develop these symptoms should not "drop in" on their doctors but should call ahead of time and arrange to be seen where others won't be exposed. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that is transmitted through the air. It usually begins with a cough, runny nose, eye irritation and fever. A red, blotchy rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body follows these symptoms. Persons with measles can be contagious for several days before the rash appears and for up to four days afterward.This is the second time that measles has drawn attention in recent weeks; two international visitors to Oregon State University in Corvallis became ill last month with measles. "All of this is a reminder that measles has not been eradicated," said Cieslak. "It’s important that parents make sure their children are immunized." Most people with measles recover fully but it can be serious. In the U.S. it kills about one out of every 500 persons who get it, according to Cieslak. |
|
