(Taiwan English News / Zhu Mingzhu Comprehensive Foreign News Report) An epidemic of measles has been reported in Columbus, Ohio, USA The patients are 4 young children, of which 1 is in serious condition and is being admitted to the intensive care unit. The health unit reminds that there could be cases in the next few days There are more cases, and parents are encouraged to take their children to be vaccinated as soon as possible.
FOX 8 News, 10TV reported that according to a press release issued by the City of Columbus on Wednesday (9th), an outbreak of measles has started at a childcare center in Franklin County. Four children under the age of 4 were diagnosed with measles, and none of the cases had a travel history AND a related contact history, and no vaccination, the health unit is conducting a case investigation and listing contacts In order to avoid the spread of a cluster, the nursery center will also be closed for 21 days.
According to statistics from the Franklin County Public Health Department, since June of this year, a total of 8 cases of measles have been reported, including this childcare center cluster.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can be infected through air, droplet transmission or contact with the patient’s nasopharyngeal secretions. The initial symptoms are easily confused with a cold. The prodromal symptoms include fever, rhinitis , conjunctivitis (photophobia, tearing, redness of the eyes), cough, etc.; a rash will appear 3 to 4 days after the prodromal symptoms, and in more severe cases, otitis media, pneumonia or encephalitis will occur.
Health Officer Columbus Roberts reminded that more cases could break out in the coming days Due to the long incubation period of measles, it takes approximately 21 days from the beginning of the infection to the appearance of the rash. In order to prevent children from is infected, parents are strongly advised to let eligible children receive 2 full doses of the MMR vaccine.
Before the vaccine is used, more than 99% of people will be infected, and almost everyone will not escape measles in their lifetime. According to CDC data in the United States, the protection of 2 doses of the MMR vaccine can reach 97%, which is the most effective way to prevent measles.
The measles cluster in Ohio, all under the age of 4, may continue to expand
Taiwan’s mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine recommendations are as follows: (For details, refer to the CDC website)
- 12 months of birth and 5 years of age to receive one dose at public expense.
- Women aged 15-49 of childbearing age:As long as a negative German measles antibody report within the last 3 months is verified, one dose can be vaccinated at public expense.
- Foreign spouse:When applying for residence or settling in Taiwan for the first time, if there is no German measles-related vaccination certificate or the test is negative for German measles antibodies, one dose can be vaccinated at the expense of the public.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds women of childbearing age who are negative for German measles antibodies to be vaccinated against MMR before trying to conceive, and to avoid pregnancy within 4 weeks of being vaccinated .
