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FLORENCE – On January 22, 2015, the Pinal County Public Health Services District identified four cases of measles in one family. The individuals had travel history to Disneyland between December 16th – 20th, 2014, and are believed to be linked to the ongoing multi-state outbreak associated with Disneyland. All four family members affected were unvaccinated and reside in the Kearny area. The Pinal County Health Services District is in the process of identifying individuals who may have been exposed and is working closely with the Arizona State Department of Health Services and other related organizations to notify those at risk.
Measles begins with fever (101 degrees F or higher), red, watery eyes, cough and coryza (runny nose). This is followed by a maculopapular rash (red, raised, and blotchy). The rash begins on the head at the hairline and moves down the trunk to the lower extremities. The rash may last for 5-6 days and turn brownish. Symptoms typically appear 7-12 days after exposure to measles but may take up to 21 days. A person with measles is considered to be contagious 4 days before rash onset (generally one day prior to fever) through the fourth day after rash onset.
“This is a case where a family that has decided to not vaccinate their children are experiencing the consequences of that decision in a very real way” said Public Health Director Tom Schryer. “These cases of measles will trigger a very intensive effort on the part of public health throughout the state and nation to identify others that they had contact with who are also unvaccinated so we can stop the transmission of this serious disease.”
Director Schryer also said, “Parents who make the decision to forgo vaccination for measles need to know that the complications from this disease are serious. One child of every 1,000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain) which can lead to convulsions and can leave the child deaf or mentally retarded. For every 1,000 children who get measles 1 or 2 will die from it. When making medical decisions it is imperative that we look at all of the risks involved and the science shows that vaccination saves lives so I urge all parents to immunize their children for measles – it can save your child’s life. It is very important to also note that children under the age of 1 years old are unable to be vaccinated. This age group needs to be protected from exposure. This reason alone is why parents should not take their infants to Disneyland.”
Two doses of MMR vaccine provide full protection against measles. Those that have not been vaccinated or have just received 1 dose of MMR should obtain vaccination immediately. For those that are unsure if they have previously received MMR vaccination, they should obtain at least 1 dose of MMR vaccine.
Healthcare providers and pharmacies should have MMR vaccine available. The Pinal County Public Health Services District has MMR vaccine available for both children and adults.
For more information, go to the Pinal County Public Health immunization webpage: http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/publichealth/Pages/Immunizations.aspx
Please go to the following link for Pinal County Public Health Services District clinic locations: http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/publichealth/Pages/OfficeLocations.aspx
Or for more information please contact the Pinal County Citizen Contact Center at 520-509-3555 or toll free at 1-888-431-1311.
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