Measles (Rubeola)
Arizona Outbreak - updated 5/2/2008
NEW
Arizona is currently experiencing an outbreak of measles. All cases
identified live in Pima County. The first case became sick on 2/13/2008. The
Pima County Health Department is continuing follow-up to identify any
additional cases and prevent further spread of the disease.
|
Date of last update |
5/2/2008 |
| Cases confirmed |
17 |
| Ages |
9 children, 8 adults |
Health Alerts Issued:
Measles in Arizona
Measles, once a common childhood illness, is no longer widespread in the
United States due to the success of this country's measles vaccination
program. Consequently, it is rarely found in Arizona. Usually only one case is confirmed every few years,
typically when someone from the U.S. becomes infected while traveling overseas
or someone from another country travels to the U.S. while infected with
measles.
What is measles?
Measles is an acute, highly contagious rash illness caused by the
measles virus. It is also sometimes called rubeola.
What are the symptoms of measles?
The major symptom associated with measles is the rash. This rash generally starts on the head and slowly spreads down the rest of the body. Other symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. These symptoms last about a week.
How is measles spread?
When someone with measles sneezes or coughs they can spray infected droplets into the air. These droplets can remain suspended in the air until they are breathed in by someone else, or they may fall out of the air and land on various surfaces. Anyone who touches these surfaces within two or more hours of the contamination and then puts their fingers in their nose or mouth may become infected.
How long can someone spread the virus?
Someone who has measles can start spreading the virus four days before
they develop the rash and keep spreading virus until four days after the
rash starts.
How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
On average, non-rash symptoms begin 10 to 12 days after exposure to the
virus. The rash generally begins about 14 days after exposure to the
virus.
What are the complications associated with
measles?
Measles can be quite severe. About 20% of individuals sick with measles have one or more complications. About 10% of children with measles will also get an ear infection and about 5% will get pneumonia. For every 1,000 children who get measles, one will develop inflammation of the brain, risking permanent mental damage, and one or two will die.
How is measles treated?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a specific treatment that can be used to stop the virus.
Available treatments are directed at taking care of the symptoms and any complications.
Is there a vaccine for measles?
Yes, there is a vaccine that can prevent measles. For more information on this vaccine, please visit the
CDC
website.
Note:
Links marked by [PDF] require Acrobat Reader™ to view.
| 
