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. 12 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, 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 from the family Parmyxoviridae. The disease is a highly communicable virus whose main site of infection is the respiratory epithelium at the nasopharynx 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 of preventing measles is through MMR vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is about 93% affective upon exposure to measles. The vaccination is given to children at 9 months and a follow up vaccine on the 18th month. Adults who had not received the vaccination and have no evidence of immunity should get at least one doze. Measles is spread about 4 days before the rushes appear. It continues to infectious 4 to 5 days after the rushes have appeared. (Reid, 2018)
Measles like other respiratory diseases it is spread through air by breathing, sneezing and coughing. It spreads through coming into contact with a person who is infected and being near 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 for medical help.
Symptoms of measles
Normally the symptoms will begin with high fever that begins 10-12 days after one has been exposed to the disease. Coughing, a running nose and red teary eyes can also develop in the early stages. The symptoms persist for 3 to 5 days. 14 days after exposure, rushes develop starting from the face and the neck. Days later the rushes start spreading to arms, legs 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 hey limit their contact with other thus limiting spread of the disease to others. Before visiting the healthcare facility it is advised that the individuals affected should call in advance to inform 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 too to assist in the efforts to prevent the spread of measles and prevent death caused by the disease.
Resources are available to general public
Due to the measles outbreak it is important to keep the public informed. Information will assist in the efforts to prevent 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 spread of the disease. The fact sheets also gives information about the regions where there is the outbreak.
- CDC data base: 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 outbreak. A way of ensuring preparedness in their communities is giving the necessary resources to the health care workers. Resources include:
- MMR vaccines
- Training seminars
- Online courses to prepare for outbreaks
- Information about outbreaks example CDC reports on measles outbreak.
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
