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CHEMED has identified a case of suspected measles in Ocean County New Jersey. An individual who had recently traveled outside the US was seen at CHEMED for symptoms consistent with upper respiratory syndrome associated with a rash. Preliminary testing identified an acute measles infection. However, these results are currently being confirmed by the CDC. The patient is no longer contagious and CHEMED is working closely with the Ocean County Department of Health to identify any possible exposures from this patient and to advise them whether they need to follow up with their primary care providers if they are not adequately vaccinated. Measles also known as rubeola is a viral infectious disease which usually starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat. It is followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Measles is a highly contagious virus which spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing (respiratory droplets).

Also as per the CDC:

1) Measles has the potential to be a serious infection. Many people think that measles is just fever associated with a rash that goes away after a few days, however, measles can cause some serious health related complications especially in children less than 5 years of age as per the CDC (Center for Disease Control).

2) The most common symptoms of measles are fever, rash, runny nose, red eyes.

3) Approximately 1 out of every 4 people in the US who contract measles will be hospitalized.

4) 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles can develop encephalitis (brain swelling) which can result in irreversible brain damage.

5) Approximately 1 out of 1,000 people can die from measles despite receiving appropriate medical attention.

6) If you have had measles vaccination or were born before 1957 you are considered to be immune to the measles

Measles was declared eliminated from the US in the year 2000 thanks to a highly effective vaccination program. “Eliminated means that the disease is no longer constantly present in this Country. However, it is still common in many parts of the world”. Every year measles is brought into the US by travelers from outside the Country whom were not vaccinated. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk. CHEMED reminds you that you have the power to protect against measles with a safe and effective vaccine. The best protection against measles is measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles. Your child needs two doses of MMR vaccine for best protection. The first dose at 12 through 15 months of age The second dose 4 through 6 years of age. If your family is traveling overseas, the vaccine recommendations are a little different: If your baby is 6 through 11 months old, he or she should receive 1 dose of MMR vaccine before leaving. If your child is 12 months of age or older, he or she will need 2 doses of MMR vaccine (separated by at least 28 days) before departure.

In addition to measles The Ocean County Health Department has informed CHEMED that in Ocean County there have been reported cases of pertussis (whopping cough) and varicella (chicken pox).