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The Maui News
A second case of measles has been found on Oahu and the state Department of Health is asking healthcare providers to identify, isolate, and report suspected measles cases.
The second case is an Oahu resident who was exposed to the previously confirmed case in an international traveler reported on April 10.
DOH has identified and is reaching out to persons who may have been exposed to this second case.
Measles is a vaccine preventable illness. Healthcare providers and the public are urged to check their vaccination status to ensure they are up to date, the DOH said in a news release Monday afternoon.
Staying up to date on routine 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 our keiki and the larger community from outbreaks of measles. The last measles outbreak in Hawaii occurred in 2014, with 15 cases reported.
"Healthcare providers and the public are encouraged to be more aware and vigilant for a possible measles infection due to recent cases in our community," said Immunization Program Branch Chief, Ronald Balajadia. "We are seeing increases in measles outbreaks globally, including recent cases reported in American Samoa."
Balajadia noted the two recent cases in Hawaii are not related to any cases in American Samoa.
Globally and nationally, MMR coverage rates have dropped since pre-pandemic years, increasing the number of susceptible individuals. This secondary case is an unfortunate reminder that measles is highly contagious and can easily spread to unprotected persons, the news release said.
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles may start 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.
Measles can cause serious illness, including pneumonia, neurologic complications, and even death. Infants under 1 year of age are at particularly high risk because they are too young to be vaccinated against measles.
If you think you have symptoms consistent with measles, or have been exposed to an individual with measles, isolate yourself immediately, seek medical advice, and be sure to contact your healthcare provider to receive instructions to avoid further spread of disease, the DOH said.
More information about measles is available at https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.