Measles outbreak (Disneyland update)

at Live Science, Dr. Stephen Ostroff, of the Pennsylvania Department of Health states in regards to measles, “[It] is really quite extraordinary in how contagious it is,” Ostroff said. He notes that if you were not vaccinated against measles, and you were in the same room as an infected person, the likelihood that you would get the disease is greater than 90 percent.”

There is a Chance That You Can Still Get Measles Even If You Are Immunized

This article is not another attempt to push immunizations. In the case of measles, there have been outbreaks that occurred even in immunized communities. In 1985, a measles outbreak occurred in Corpus Christi, Texas – a virtually fully immunized (>99%) school population. This has happened countless other times as well. In 2008, there was also a  outbreak in San Diego, California. So, there is a chance you can still get measles if you have the vaccine.

The question begs to be asked if there is a perfect storm brewing. If hospitals are already at a disadvantage in dealing with contagious outbreaks and the susceptibility of catching measles is still present even in a vaccinated population, what will happen if cases still increase?

The initial symptoms of measles include:

• Fever

• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek — also called Koplik’s spots
• A skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another

The infection occurs in sequential stages over a period of two-to-three weeks.

• Infection and incubation. For the first 10 to 14 days after you’re infected, the measles virus incubates. You have no signs or symptoms of measles during this time.
• Nonspecific signs and symptoms. Measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever, often accompanied by a persistent cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis) and sore throat. This relatively mild illness may last two or three days.
• Acute illness and rash. The rash consists of small red spots, some of which are slightly raised. Spots and bumps in tight clusters give the skin a splotchy red appearance. The face breaks out first, particularly behind the ears and along the hairline. Over the next few days, the rash spreads down the arms and trunk, then over the thighs, lower legs and feet. At the same time, fever rises sharply, often as

• high as 104 to 105.8 F (40 to 41 C). The measles rash gradually recedes, fading first from the face and last from the thighs and feet.
• Communicable period. A person with measles can spread the virus to others for about eight days, starting four days before the rash appears and ending when the rash has been present for four days.

Mayo Clinic

Practice hygiene and cleanliness:

• Wash your hands often.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean your hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups, with people who are sick.

How to Prepare for Measles

Health officials recommend that unvaccinated people in close contact with an infected patient be quarantined for 21 days. Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and children who may experience complications such as pneumonia. In rare cases, measles can be deadly.

Prepare accordingly for the possibility of being exposed to this virus if the threat continues to grow. Because the average incubation period for measles is 14 days (with a range of 7-21 days), those who have been infected may not even know they have measles, and could continue to spread the virus. Therefore, if you suspect you may have been exposed, you will need to quarantine yourself for up to two weeks and stay away from those with compromised immune systems. Here are some suggestions for things to do while are under quarantine.

Further, have supplies in place for a two week period to ensure you have everything you need. In The Prepper’s Blueprint, I have outlined a step-by-step process to prepare for short and long-term disasters that includes lists of supplies and suggestions to make your prepping endeavors easier.

We will keep you informed on any developments with this story.

Additional Reading:

Explaining measles outbreaks despite high vaccination status

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