Confirmed measles case in Kearny prompts warning from Gila County Health Department

Globe (January 28, 2015) – Gila County Division of Health and Emergency Services is currently working in collaboration with Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center to investigate potential contacts associated with a patient who visited the hospital on January 14^th at 1:47am.  The patient, a resident of Kearny in Pinal County, is a confirmed measles case.

NOTE: At this time, Gila County has zero confirmed cases of measles. 

Following the Center for Disease Controls (CDC) guidelines for measles transmission we have investigated all hospital staff and non-staff visitors that were in the hospital anytime between 1:30am and 8:30am.  During this time of potential exposure, there were nine (9) hospital staff and eight (8) non-staff individuals that we are currently following.  

Gila County Public Health has recommended that all exposed adults who were born in 1957 or later and who have not had measles disease or at least one measles vaccine should not go to work or other public places during the incubation period (until Feb. 4) to avoid potential spread. If being in public cannot be avoided, it is advised that a mask be worn.  Measles is extremely infectious, which is why it is so important that we identify cases quickly and do our best to stop the spread early on. That means keeping unvaccinated people who have been exposed to the disease away from others.

You should be protected from measles if you were immunized by getting 2 doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine, or if you have previously had the disease. Healthcare providers are required to report suspect cases of measles to Gila County Division of Public Health.

Symptoms:

• Typically appear 7-12 days after exposure to measles but may take up to 21 days
• Begin with fever (101 F or higher), red, watery eyes, cough and runny nose
• Followed by a rash that is red, raised, and blotchy. The rash begins on the face at the hairline and moves down the body. The rash may last for 5-6 days and may turn brownish.

What to do if you think you have measles:

• If you have a healthcare provider, contact him/her by phone and let them know that you may have been exposed to measles. They will let you know when to visit their office so as not to expose others in the waiting area.
• If you do not have a health care provider, you may need to be seen at your local hospital emergency room/urgent care center. Please call before going to let them know you may have measles.

For more information on measles’ signs and symptoms or where you may find vaccine, please visit www.StoptheSpreadAZ.com.