Measles

About Measles:

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness which can spread in the air via coughing and sneezing. It lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen after even up to 2 hours after that person has left. The best protection against measles is measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles.

How Measles Spreads:

Measles are are highly contagious, measles can live for up to 2 hours in airspace after an infected person leaves an area. If you have measles, up to 90% of the people close to you, who are not immune, will also become infected. An infected person can spread measles to others even before knowing they have the disease. You can spread measles to others from 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears. Call your doctor immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed. You can call Magers Health and Wellness Center @ (417) 836-4000 for an appointment as well. For more information on how Measles is spread visit the CDC - How it Spreads and Contagious Period

Who is at risk:

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk. Every year, measles is brought into the United States by unvaccinated travelers who get measles while they are in other countries. These travelers are mostly Americans and sometimes international visitors. Some people are a higher risk of experiencing severe complications from measles.

Signs and Symptoms:

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include: High fever (may spike to more than 104.0 F), Cough, Runny nose, Red, watery eyes, Rash. Complications can cause serious complications especially younger than 5 years of age. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis. For more information regarding signs and symptoms visit the CDC website: Measles Symptoms and Complications

Prevention:

Protect yourself with the vaccine. The best way to protect against measles is with the MMR vaccine. MMR is safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. Prevent measles and talk to your healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine, especially if planing to travel. For more information about the MMR vacccine, visit CDC website: Measles Vaccination or you call Magers Health and Wellness Center and talk to a nurse in the Treatment Clinic @ (417) 836-4111

Plan for Travel:

Measles cases in the United States originate from unvaccinated international travelers. You should be vaccinated against measles at least 2 weeks before international traveling. This disease is brought into the United States by unvaccinated people who get infected in other countries. Typically, 2 out of 3 of these unvaccinated travelers are Americans. Protect yourself, your family, and your community with MMR vaccine, especially before traveling internationally. You can check your global destination @ CDC Travelers' Health website. Also check out the CDC website - Traveler Advice

Check the CDC website for a Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel

To Schedule An Appointment: Visit - Magers Health and Wellness Center and access your MyHealth Portal or call 417-836-4000, we can help with any questions you may have. If you have not yet received the Measles vaccine, please call 417-836-4111 to schedule your appointment.