Health officials in Hawaii have confirmed a second case of measles in an Oahu resident who was exposed to a previously confirmed case reported earlier this month. The first case, which was confirmed on April 10, was identified in an unvaccinated Oahu resident who contracted the virus after returning from international travel.
Following the confirmation of the second case, the Hawaii Department of Health is now identifying and reaching out to people who may have been exposed to the virus. Officials have reminded the public that measles is highly contagious and can easily spread to unprotected individuals.
To help prevent further transmission, the department has issued a medical advisory requesting that health care providers identify, isolate, and report any suspected measles cases. The health department has also emphasized that measles is a vaccine-preventable illness and has urged healthcare providers and the public to check their vaccination status to ensure that they are up-to-date. Staying up-to-date on routine vaccines, including the measles vaccine, which is usually given at the one-year well-child visit as the MMR combination vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella, is essential for protecting individuals and the larger community from outbreaks of measles.
Measles is caused by a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms usually start with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash of tiny red spots. Infected people can spread measles from four days before through four days after a rash appears.
The Hawaii Department of Health has encouraged healthcare providers and the public to be more aware and vigilant for possible measles infections due to recent cases in the community. Immunization Program Branch Chief Ronald Balajadia has stated, “We are seeing increases in measles outbreaks globally, including recent cases reported in American Samoa,” and has encouraged individuals to be cautious to prevent the spread of the virus.
The last major measles outbreak in Hawaii was in 2014, with 15 cases detected. However, the two recent cases in Hawaii are not related to cases in American Samoa.
It is essential to stay informed about outbreaks of contagious diseases and take necessary precautions to prevent transmission. If you believe that you may have been exposed to measles or are experiencing symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss testing and treatment options.