United States – The measles outbreak in Seattle & King County proved its existence through infection in an adult who potentially spread the disease.
Case Details and Exposure
Based in Bellevue, Seattle, and Woodinville, the affected individual exposed other community members to the virus between June 27 and July 2 while symptomatic and pre-diagnosed. “Measles is a highly infectious disease and, if you are a susceptible person, you can get the disease from being in a room where a person with measles has been” stated Dr. Eric Chow, for communicable disease, Public Health-Seattle & King County, as reported by The Seattle Times.
“We’ve seen an increase in measles cases around the world and the U.S., so it’s an important time to check your vaccination status and get vaccinated if you aren’t protected,” Chow added. It is important, too, if you are a traveler, so that any new destination you are going to will not be a new place for diseases. The person affected with measles had recently traveled abroad.
Effectiveness of Measles Vaccination
Shots against measles are very safe and effective, while two MMR shots give about 97% immunity that never wears off, Chow pointed out.
It can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets that may be suspended in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has exited the room.
But if you could have been exposed, check whether you have taken a measles vaccine or suffered the disease before. In case you contract a fever or develop a rash with no known cause, you should seek medical attention immediately. However, if you wish to avoid transmitting measles to others, do not visit a clinic or hospital without informing them that you wish to be tested and screened for measles and may have been exposed to it. At times, prevention may involve vaccinating or administering medication after exposure to a specific disease.
Don’t take measles lightly: Measles is show in is a common and possibly life threatening illness caused by a virus that results in fever, rash, coughing and runny nose as well as red watery eyes. This is probably through the respiratory route, especially after an infected person has cough or sneeze. The acute diseases are also caused by the bacteria and they are associated with effects such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and at times, inflammation of the brain. As far as the susceptibility of individuals to the health effects occasioned by indoor environment quality, vulnerable persons include children under five years, adults over twenty years, pregnant women, and any persons with suppressed immunities, such as resulting from drugs or other underlying health conditions.
The only protection or prevention that can be made is through the use of the vaccine.
According to authorities of the public health of King County, the first case of measles of the year occurred in a resident of this county last month. One of the infected children was not administered MMR shot and had history of international travel, as reported by The Seattle Times.
Vaccination Rates and Public Health
The general public in that region still has a low risk of getting measles, possibly due to vaccination. However, with the start of the pandemic, the proportions of kindergartners in King County gaining vaccinations in any dosage have reduced, and in the 2023-24 academic year, only 92% received one dosage. As Chow also pointed out, some schools have a vaccination rate of 36%.