Measles case confirmed in child on Oʻahu
A case of measles in an unvaccinated child younger than 5 years old on Oʻahu was confirmed the night of April 7 by the State Laboratories Divison of Hawaiʻi Department of Health.
The case is under investigation. State Health Department officials are working to identify anyone who might have been exposed and prevent the disease from spreading.
Anyone could have been exposed to measles if they visited the following locations during the specified times:
DANIEL K. INOUYE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN HONOLULU
- C gates, customs and baggage claim area: From 10:50 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 30.
- Terminal 2 departures, Transportation Security Administration checkpoints and gate area for Delta flight 309 to Atlanta: From 1 and 7 p.m. April 4.
MĀNOA VALLEY DISTRICT PARK
- Art class: From 9 to 10 a.m. April 1.
QUEEN’S ISLAND URGENT CARE KAPAHULU
- From 8 a.m. to noon April 4.
If you were possibly exposed at one or even more of the above locations, the state Health Department offers the following recommendations:
- NOT VACCINATED? If you have never received a measles vaccine — either the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or a measles-only vaccine available in other countries — you might be at risk of developing measles. Vaccine or immune globulin can be given to prevent infection if received shortly after exposure.
- WHO SHOULD YOU CALL IF YOU’RE NOT PROTECTED AND MIGHT BE EXPOSED? Contact your health care provider immediately. You can also call the state Health Department Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 or the Disease Investigation Branch at 808-586-8362.
- BE VIGILANT. Watch for symptoms until 3 weeks after your last exposure. Immediately isolate yourself if you notice the symptoms; stay home. Contact your health care provider right away. Call ahead before going to your health care provider’s office or emergency room to alert the proper staff and ask them to call the local health department.
- IMMUNOCOMPROMISED? Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their health care provider.
- ALREADY VACCINATED? If you received two doses of a measles vaccine or were born before 1957, you are protected.
- ANOTHER DOSE? If you received only one dose of a measles vaccine, you are likely to be protected and your risk of being infected very low. However, to achieve complete immunity, contact your health care provider about getting a second dose.
The infected child was traveling internationally with their parents and developed a fever, runny nose and cough shortly after returning to Hawaiʻi. Their parents sought medical care after the child broke out in a rash,
The child is now recovering at home.
One of the child’s household members is exhibiting similar symptoms and being evaluated for possible infection.
Flight notifications were issued for the airlines and airports through which the confirmed and suspected cases traveled. State health officials also are reaching out directly to people who had known contact with the confirmed and suspected cases.
A medical advisory will be issued to health care providers statewide.
Measles is one of the most highly contagious viruses in the world. It can remain in the air up to 2 hours and spread through direct contact with an infected person or when they coughs or sneeze.
It can be spread from 4 days before an infected person develops the tell-tale rash through 4 days after.
Symptoms typically include a 101-degree or higher fever, runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough that usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure.
A rash begins to appear on an infected person’s face after symptoms start and then spreads to the rest of their body.
The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. All children should receive 2 doses, with the first typically given when they are 12 to 15 months old and the second normally at 4 to 6 years old.
All adults born during or after 1957 should have documentation of at least one measles, mumps and rubella vaccination, unless they had a blood test showing they are immune to measles or had the disease.
Some adults at higher risk of exposure — including college students, international travelers and health care personnel — need a second dose at least 4 weeks after the first.
There is no specific treatment for measles.
Care of infected patients consists mainly of ensuring adequate intake of fluids, bed rest and fever control. Patients with complications could need treatment specific to their problem.
Contact your health care provider to get the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. You also can locate a vaccine provider online.
For more information about measles:
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