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April 10, 2008

Measles

Answers to Your Questions about Measles

Measles is an infectious viral disease that occurs most often in the late winter and spring. It begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eyes), followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Measles itself is unpleasant, but the complications are dangerous. Six to 20 percent of the people who get the disease may experience complications that could include an ear infection, diarrhea, or in rare instances, pneumonia or encephalitis. Pregnant women who develop measles are more likely to miscarry, deliver prematurely, or have a very low birth weight baby. Before the measles vaccine was introduced, 450 people in the United States died from measles each year.

Parents of children who need immunizations or those who would like to check the immunization status of their children should contact their health care provider or local health department. In Idaho, low-income families who cannot afford vaccinations can receive them on a sliding-fee scale or free of charge at most district health departments. The sliding fee scale applies only to children up to the age of 18.

How do I check immunization records?

1. Whether checking your children's or your own immunization records, you should contact your primary care provider first.
2. IRIS (Idaho's Immunization Reminder Information System) is a good resource, but may not contain all immunization records for your children. Central District Health Department has IRIS resources. Call 327-7450 for more information.
3. The older the child or young adult, the less likely full immunization records are to be found in the IRIS system, so check with your primary care provider first.

The current measles outbreaks in Arizona and California have also infected adults, primarily health care workers. All Idahoans should check their own and their children's immunization records.

How do adults know if they are immunized for measles?

1. They have had physician diagnosed measles in the past.
2. They have a lab test showing they are immune or have protective antibodies.
3. They have documentation that they received one or more doses of measles vaccine.
4. They were born before 1957.