Tot contracts measles from infant traveler

The state Health Department confirmed Tuesday that a previously unvaccinated 2-year-old has contracted measles on Oahu, apparently from an 11-month-old baby who caught the disease on a trip to the Philippines.

The toddler was exposed to the disease Feb. 7 while visiting a local pediatrician’s office at the same time as the baby, who later turned out to be infected, according to Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist. She did not disclose the location of the doctor’s office.

Measles is a highly contagious disease, and anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk. Patients are contagious starting four days before the onset of the measles rash.

Symptoms of measles include a blotchy red rash, fever, cough and runny nose, according to the Health Department. They tend to appear about 14 days after a person is infected.

Complications of measles include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, ear infections, diarrhea and death, according to the Health Department.

"We are now looking at March 16 as the maximum point of incubation for any cases infected as a result of exposure to this case," Park said Tuesday, referring to the second infection.

The Health Department reported the first case Feb. 13 and the second case Tuesday. Park urged those who suspect they have measles to isolate themselves to contain the spread of the illness.

"This disease is so contagious that it will infect 90 percent of the contacts who are not immune," she said after the initial case was confirmed.

The department advises people to check their immunization status and contact their health care providers if they need vaccinations. People without health insurance may call Aloha United Way at 211 for help obtaining vaccines.

Measles is spread through mucus from the nose and throat and through respiratory droplets in the air. Patients are cared for with fluids, bed rest and fever control.

Children should receive two doses of the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, commonly known as MMR, at age 12 to 15 months and again at ages 4 to 6.