She said anyone who is unsure if they had two doses of the vaccine in the past should speak to their GP.
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Reports state that the number of cases of measles increased between the year 2000 and 2015, however, as of April 1, there have been only four reported cases of the infections yet in the US.
Dr. Helen Morrow said the six cases in Shelby County represent people of various ages, of both genders, and from locations throughout the county. According to the CDC, only four other confirmed cases of the measles have been seen in the US thus far in 2016, and there have been only nine cases in all of Tennessee since 2004. “We have contacted hospitals, physicians and neighboring counties to keep them updated on this evolving situation”.
The Shelby County Health Department has also issued 17 quarantine orders.
Measles is a vaccine-preventable viral infection that starts with a high fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes, followed a few days later by a rash that starts on the head and gradually moves down the body.
The rash illness lasts about a week. “People infected with the virus can spread the disease for four days before the rash shows up, so health officials in Shelby County have been trying to figure out who those infected might have contacted in the days before they realized they were sick, according to Elizabeth Hart, public information officer for the local health department”.
The ADH says it is “possible” Arkansas residents have been exposed.
Doctors are urging people to get themselves – and their children – vaccinated if they have not done so already.
Though the source of the outbreak has not been pinpointed, Jain said it likely was an unvaccinated traveler who brought the disease home from overseas.
The first and most important question is of course raised over the effectiveness of the measles vaccine.
Last year, 98% of children entitled to be vaccinated for MMR – measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) – took the first dose, while 94.3% took the second dose. For those exposed more than 72 hours beforehand, injections or intravenous doses of immune globulin can prevent or lessen the severity of measles but don’t provide long-term protection. Those who are in doubt about their immunization history and were born in 1957 or later should have a conversation with their healthcare provider about vaccine.
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While global measles deaths have decreased by 75 per cent worldwide in recent years, measles is still common in many developing countries, he said, adding that more than 20 million people are affected by measles each year.
