The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week sent an alert to providers concerning the ongoing measles outbreak. While the risk to the general population currently remains low, the agency reminded stakeholders that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way for patients to protect themselves against the disease. At least 3 unvaccinated people have died from measles, and cases have grown to more than 600 as of April 4. More recent numbers indicate that Texas alone has now recorded at least 505 cases as of April 8. Texas and New Mexico account for more than 90% of the cases, and 70% of the cases are in patients aged 19 years and younger. While the telltale sign of measles is often the red skin rash, other symptoms such as fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis typically precede the rash.
What to do: CDC outlined the protocol for managing measles or suspected measles patients. Isolation is the first important action as the virus is extremely contagious. People exposed to measles who do not have evidence of immunity may be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis either with the MMR vaccine (within 72 hours of exposure) or immunoglobulin (within 6 days of exposure). Providers should notify health department officials and collect samples if possible. There is no specific antiviral therapy for measles.
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