There is currently a multi-state outbreak of Measles in the USA associated with travel to Disneyland Resort Theme Parks in California. This has affected 14 US states and Mexico. From the 1st through the 30th of January 2015, 102 measles positive cases were reported. Last year, the US experienced the highest number of measles cases reported in 20 years, 644 cases in 27 States.
The Caribbean sub-region has been successful in maintaining a measles-free status since 1991. In light of the strong travel ties between the Caribbean and the USA, and given that we are in the midst of the tourism high-season, the Ministry of Health and Human Services encourages local residents and visitors to be watchful for fever-rash syndromes.
Measles spreads quickly among unvaccinated people. The majority of the adults and children that have reported cases of measles in the US did not get vaccinated or do not know whether they have been vaccinated. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, effective and highly recommended. Maintaining high vaccination coverage is very important and it’s the best protection we have against disease outbreaks.
Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that occurs over a period of two to three weeks. It spreads through the air by coughing and sneezing. Measles starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat, and is followed by a rash that spreads all over the body. A person with measles can spread the virus to others for about eight days, four days before the rash appears and four days after the rash appears.
Persons are protected against the disease in two ways: 1) through vaccination and 2) through previous infection, i.e., if you have had the measles already, you cannot get measles again. The vaccine is given in two doses in the TCI, the first at age 1 year and the second at age 2 years. Children who receive the vaccine at age 1 are protected up to 98% until the second dose is due at age 2.
Persons not protected against the disease can contract the virus when a person with measles coughs, sneezes or talks in their face. Also, droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking can fall on surfaces and remain there for hours. Persons who have not been immunized can contract the virus by touching the infected surface and putting their fingers in their mouth, nose or eyes.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services is pleased to advise that the Turks and Caicos Island is currently MEASLES FREE. Over the years, the 1st dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage have been 95% – 98%. However, children remain at risk of contracting measles if they have not received the 2nd dose of MMR vaccine and they come into contact with someone who has the disease. Children who have not received the 1st dose of MMR vaccine are at an increased risk of contracting measles if they come in contact with someone who has the disease.
In order to reduce the risk of local transmission of measles to our population in the TCI, the Public Health Staff from the Primary Health Care Department will be conducting the following initiatives:
• Vaccination in schools throughout Providenciales commencing the first week in February 2015.
• Catch-up and Mop-up campaigns in the community. “The target group” are children ages 1 year for the 1st MMR vaccine and 2 years or older for the 2nd MMR vaccine.
• Routine immunization of measles vaccine will continue to be administered at well-baby clinics throughout the country.
• Vaccinations administered at Public Health Clinics are free of charge.
Parents are encouraged to cooperate with the Public Health Nurses and send their children’s immunization take home cards to school upon request. Travellers to the USA or Mexico from TCI (adults and children) are advised to ensure their vaccination records are up to date prior to travelling.
