The first measles case in two years has been reported in the Commonwealth. This year, multiple measles outbreaks have been identified across the country. One resulted in the death of a child in Texas.
Dr. Sean McTigue, Interim Director of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases division at U.K. Children’s Hospital, said most complications from the highly infectious virus occur in children who are not vaccinated.
“This is one of our most effective vaccines. It’s very safe and as long as you’re not one of the very small percentage of people who are heavily compromised and therefore have contraindication to the vaccine,” said Dr. McTigue. “We recommend that now would be a great time for everyone to check.”
Doctor McTigue said the first dose of the vaccine is only available after 12 months of age, making infants the most at risk. He said the first dose has a 93% efficiency rate and the second dose raises the efficiency rate to 98%.
Dr. Nicholas Van Sickles, Medical Director of Infectious Diseases at U.K. hospital said while measles does largely affect children, 10-percent of victims in the outbreak in Texas were adults.
“A low but very significant number of adults wo are affected are usually in the late adolescence early adult stage, but also people who might be immune compromised, people who are pregnant, people who have chronic medical conditions can be affected by measles,” Doctor Van Sickles said.
Dr. Van Sickles said pneumonia can develop from measles and easily cause hospitalization for those with a weak immune system, adding that the best way for people to ensure their safety is to make sure they’re vaccinated.
He said people born before 1957 are generally immune to measles. Americans born between 1963 and 1989 likely need at least one more dose of the vaccine. Those born after 1989, served in the military, or immigrated after 1996 all likely have both doses of the vaccine.
Symptoms of measles typically begin eight to twelve days after exposure. The virus is characterized by a runny nose, cough, high fevers, and red eyes.