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The Maui News
The state Department of Health is investigating a case of confirmed measles in an unvaccinated Oahu resident returning from international travel.
DOH has identified those with known exposure to the case and is working with them to prevent spread of the disease, the department said in a news release Monday afternoon.
In a medical advisory issued Monday, the DOH asked health care providers to be on the alert for possible cases of measles, a vaccine-preventable disease.
Staying up to date on routine childhood vaccines, including the measles vaccine (usually first given at the one-year well-child visit as the MMR combination vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella) protects children and the larger community from outbreaks of measles, the department said.
While Hawaii has not experienced any recent outbreaks or spread of measles within the state, the case is a reminder that measles can be identified in Hawaii when residents or travelers are exposed overseas and reenter the state.
"The pandemic caused setbacks for childhood immunization programs worldwide," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. "As a result, we are seeing increases in outbreaks globally, and sometimes outbreaks in the United States as well. We are very fortunate to have a safe and highly effective vaccine against measles. This is a reminder to check your child's immunization status and make sure they are up-to-date on all recommended shots."
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles starts with fever, followed by cough, runny nose and red eyes, then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
"All eligible keiki should be vaccinated against measles," urged Health Director Dr. Kenneth Fink. "Prevention is easy. Don't miss an opportunity to protect your child against this serious disease."
More information about measles is available at www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.