| August
8, 2003 Little Rock
— The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting
an outbreak of measles in the Marshall Islands and some
Northwest Arkansas residents may have been exposed while
traveling in the region. As a precautionary measure, ADH
personnel are in the process of identifying and interviewing
travelers and their contacts.
Vaccine will be offered to
those who may be at risk as a result of recent exposure in the
Pacific.
“The measles vaccine has been
required for entry to Arkansas schools since 1967,” Dr.
Sandra Snow, ADH Communicable Disease director, said. “Two
doses, which provide over 99 percent protection against
infection, have been required since 2000.”
Measles is an acute, highly
communicable viral disease. Symptoms include a fever and rash,
and at least one of the following: cough, runny nose or red
and watery eyes.
Since 1997, there have been
less than 150 cases of measles reported annually in the U.S.,
according to the CDC. Many of these cases were imported from
outside the United States and occurred among adults; roughly
half occurred in U.S. residents returning from visits to
foreign countries.
“Fortunately, the vaccine
works very well in protecting against this infection,” Dr.
Snow said. “Arkansans should check with their doctor or
local health unit if they are unsure of their immune status.”
For additional information
about measles, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/health/measles.htm.
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