As of Thursday, June 23, 18 cases of measles have been confirmed in Arizona—all of them stemming from an inmate at a Federal Detention Center in Pinal County. Earlier this month, the first (and so far the only) case of measles resulting from this outbreak was confirmed in Maricopa County.
Because measles is a highly contagious virus, the Arizona Department of Health Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention track such outbreaks and specific places where people may have been exposed.
Last year’s measles outbreak, traced to Disneyland in southern California, spread to more than a dozen states, including Arizona, and highlighted how serious a single measles case can be. This disease is almost entirely preventable through childhood vaccines, and measles cases today are typically associated with international travel and/or unvaccinated individuals.
We asked Dr. Heather Cucchetti, regional medical director for FastMed Urgent Care in Arizona, what parents need to know.
Can you describe the symptoms of a person who has measles? Are the symptoms different in children?
The most common initial symptoms of the measles are fever (above 101 degrees), runny nose, red eyes and cough. This is followed by a red, blotchy rash that starts at the hairline and works its way down. Symptoms typically resolve after seven to 10 days. The baseline symptoms for children and adults are the same, however children 5 and younger, and adults over the age of 20, have increased risk of complications. These complications include, ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis (brain swelling), which can lead to seizures and death.
How are measles spread?
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air through respiratory secretions, typically when someone coughs or sneezes.
If a child has not completed all of the scheduled vaccines is he/she vulnerable?
The MMR vaccine is a two-dose series, typically given between the ages 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years of age. For older children and adults, they may receive each dose four weeks apart to complete the series and provide maximal immunity.
For individuals who have received the first vaccine, it is 93 percent effective at preventing measles. For those that have received the second dose, there is 97 percent immunity to measles. As you can see, the vaccine is quite effective at preventing the disease.
What would you say to parents who have concerns about vaccinations for their children?
The MMR vaccine is a very safe and effective way to prevent measles, mumps and rubella. As with all medications, vaccines can have some mild side effects. These include soreness at the site of injection, low-grade fever, temporary joint aches or rash. The risks of contracting measles, mumps or rubella, however, far outweigh the short-lived side effects of the vaccine.
Making sure that you and your family members are fully vaccinated from the disease is the best way you can keep your family safe from contracting the measles.
Is it safe to bring your child to the doctors’ office if there is a chance someone with measles will be there?
It is safe to bring your child to the doctor, despite the measles outbreak in Arizona. At FastMed, we have a protocol set into place to prevent further exposure and spread of the measles virus. Individuals with suspected measles [they are asked to call in advance] are placed in a mask prior to entering the clinic, and asked to enter from a separate entrance to avoid exposure to other patients in the waiting room. Upon entering the clinic, they are evaluated by a provider, and if measles is highly suspected, the Department of Health Services is notified to ensure proper testing is completed.
What about when the school year begins again? Will children who have not been vaccinated be allowed to attend classes?
Children who are not vaccinated are allowed to attend school in the state of Arizona, as long as their parent or legal guardian signs a waiver. This waiver states that they are aware of the benefits of vaccinations and the risks associated with not being vaccinated, and that they do not consent to having their child vaccinated. We strongly encourage all patients to consult with their primary care physicians for further questions or concerns regarding vaccination rules/regulations within their state.
How to keep up to date about measles
- Current measles information, including known exposure dates and sites, are listed at StopTheSpreadAZ.org
- The Arizona Department of Health Services update case counts at azhealth.gov/measles outbreak
- For outbreak-related questions, call 602-839-2275
