Guam reports measles case in a child who traveled to the Philippines
The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reported Friday a confirmed case of measles in a four-year-old child.
According to health authorities, the child has no history and/or documentation of MMR vaccination and recently returned to Guam from travel to the Philippines with the parents.
Guam
Image/CIA
Epidemiologic investigation has determined that exposure to measles occurred while in the Philippines.
The DPHSS says it is advisable for persons traveling to the Philippines to make sure they have been vaccinated for measles (given in combination with the measles and mumps vaccines) 2 weeks before departing. Due to frequent travel of residents between Guam and the Philippines, it is possible that the disease may be brought here.
The DPHSS is encouraging parents to check their children’s shot record to be sure they have received their MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine.
Measles or rubeola, is an acute highly communicable viral disease that is characterized by Koplik spots in the cheek or tongue very early in the disease. A couple of days later a red blotchy rash appears first on the face, and then spreads, lasting 4-7 days. Othersymptoms include fever, cough and red watery eyes. The patient may be contagious from four days prior to the rash appearance to four days after rash appearance.
The disease is more severe in infants and adults. Complications from measles which is reported in up to 20% of people infected include; seizures, pneumonia, deafness and encephalitis.
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