The Maui News

Travelers are being advised to be on alert for measles due to outbreaks around the Pacific Basin and elsewhere, the state Department of Health said Tuesday.

In Hawaii this year, there have been four reported cases of travel-related measles, including three visitors and one resident. In 2018, there were no reported cases of measles in the state.

An advisory was sent to physicians in November, and health care providers are reminded to be vigilant, the Health Department said.

Measles is very contagious and can be a serious health issue. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People most at risk for catching measles are those who are not vaccinated.

Possible serious complications include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and death. The risk of complications is highest in children who are less than a year old, pregnant women and people who have a weakened immune system.

“Measles is still common in many parts of the world, and current outbreaks in areas around the Pacific and on the Mainland are a concern because Hawaii is a cornerstone for travel and many of our residents are frequent travelers,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson. “Infectious diseases are just a plane ride away, and vaccination is the best defense against these life-threatening diseases.”

The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. DOH encourages everyone to check their records and contact their health care provider if they need to be immunized.

Before any international travel, infants ages 6 to 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Children ages 12 months and older, as well as teenagers and adults without evidence of immunity, should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.

The symptoms of measles usually start around 14 days after exposure with a range of seven to 21 days and may include high fever; cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes; and rash.

People who suspect that they have measles should call their health care provider right away and isolate themselves from others to help contain the spread of illness.

For a list of vaccinating pharmacies, go to health.hawaii.gov/docd/vaccines-immunizations/vaccine-locators/.

For more information about measles, go to health .hawaii .gov/docd/disease_listing/measles/.