Measles is a contagious respiratory disease that is caused by the rubella virus. In a report by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment KDHE on 4th April 2018, there are 15 reported cases of residents who have tested positive for the measles virus. Twelve cases are from Johnson County, 2 cases in Linn County and 1case in Miami. The individual with the virus came from outside the state and was treated at the University of Kansas University Hospital. However, the case is not associated with the current outbreak. The paper discusses measles and its causes and symptoms. It also discusses the instructions given to the community by the local health department and the resources that are available to the public.
Causes Of Symptoms
Measles is a member of the genus Morbillivirus and is part of the Parmyxoviridae family. The disease is a highly communicable virus whose main site of infection is the respiratory epithelium at the nasopharynx, and then it spreads to the rest of the body. Measles is caused by an infection by the rubella virus. Rubella virus is found in the mucosal membrane of the nose and throat of the infected individual.
According to KDHE, the most appropriate way to prevent measles is through MMR vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is about 93% effective upon exposure to measles. The vaccination is given to children at nine months, and a follow-up vaccine is given in the 18th month. Adults who have not received the vaccination and have no evidence of immunity should get at least one dose. Measles is spread about four days before the rashes appear. It continues to be infectious 4 to 5 days after the rushes have appeared. (Reid, 2018)
Measles, like other respiratory diseases, is spread through air by breathing, sneezing and coughing. It spreads through coming into contact with a person who is infected and being near a person who is coughing and sneezing. It also spreads by touching surfaces that have infected mucus and saliva. If a person is infected, they should remain isolated at their homes unless they are going to seek medical help.
Symptoms Of Measles
Normally, the symptoms begin with a high fever that begins 10-12 days after one has been exposed to the disease. Coughing, a runny nose and red, teary eyes can also develop in the early stages. The symptoms persist for 3 to 5 days. Fourteen days after exposure, rushes develop, starting from the face and the neck. Days later, the rushes start spreading to arms, legs, and then the rest of the body. The rushes will last for about 5 to 6 days then fade away. Koplik spots are also seen often. On average, the symptoms last for a period of 7-18 days (WHO, 2017).
What The Local Health Department Want People To Do In Their Communities.
Measles is a highly contagious disease. The KDHE urges people who are affected by measles or showing symptoms that are similar to those of measles to stay in their homes unless they are going to seek medical assistance. By doing this, they limit their contact with others, thus limiting the spread of the disease to others. Before visiting the healthcare facility, it is advised that the individuals affected should call in advance to inform them of their visit to the hospital. Calling ahead will give the health facility time to prepare themselves and to put in place protective measures for their staff and other patients. (Fonnesback et al., 2018)
The local health department is campaigning against measles. The department emphasises that the residents should hold campaigns against measles in their communities. Campaigns will help people understand and become more knowledgeable about this disease. Among the measures put in place with the aim of preventing measles, vaccination is the best way. The MMR vaccine is about 94% effective. If someone has had measles in the past or has received the MMR vaccine, the risk of catching the disease is very low. Members of the community should receive the MMR vaccine. They should also encourage others to receive the vaccine to assist in the efforts to prevent the spread of measles and prevent death caused by the disease.
Resources Are Available To The General Public
Due to the measles outbreak, it is important to keep the public informed. Information will assist in the efforts to prevent the spread of measles. Resources available include:
- KDHE fact sheet: the fact sheet contains facts about measles. It educates the public on measles and how to protect oneself and prevent the spread of the disease. The fact sheets also give information about the regions where there is an outbreak.
- CDC database: gives information about measles. Useful in educating the public about measles.
Resources Available To The Health Care Workers
Few regions have reported a measles outbreak. The public health officials in various regions are preparing their communities in case of further outbreaks. A way of ensuring preparedness in their communities is by giving the necessary resources to the healthcare workers. Resources include:
- MMR vaccines
- Training seminars
- Online courses to prepare for outbreaks
- Information about outbreaks, such as CDC reports on measles outbreaks.
References
Fonnesbeck, C. J., Shea, K., Carran, S., de Moraes, J. C., Gregory, C., Goodson, J. L., & Ferrari, M. J. (2018). Measles outbreak response decision-making under uncertainty: a retrospective analysis. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 15(140), 20170575.
Reid, C. (2018). Kansas measles outbreak now up to 15 cases. KSHB. Retrieved 5 April 2018, from https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/kansas-measles-outbreak-now-up-to-15-cases
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