Be prepared for measles

A recent rise in measles activity in Washington state reminds us in Montana that we must take important steps to prevent our own outbreak form happening. Washington’s measles outbreak continues to climb with 52 cases reported as of Feb. 7.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected.

Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. From 2001 to 2013, 28 percent of children younger than 5 years old who had measles had to be treated in the hospital.

For some children, measles can lead to:

• Pneumonia, a serious lung infection

• Lifelong brain damage

• Deafness

• Death

The best way to protect against measles is to ensure that you and your family are up to date with MMR vaccine. Individuals outside of health care settings born before 1957 are presumed to be immune due to past infection.

If you receive a dose of MMR vaccine, remember that it usually provides protection within 10 to 14 days of administration.

If you or someone in your family thinks you may have measles, do not go to a clinic or doctor’s office. Please call ahead and make arrangement to be safely assessed.

If you have any questions regarding your vaccination status or any other concerns please call the Hill County Health Department at 400-2415, and follow our Facebook page for updated information.

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From Hill County Health Department