Hawaii health officials say they have confirmed a case of measles in a vaccinated adult visitor to Oahu.
The visitor, who “recently arrived in Hawaii from a region of the continental United States with known measles transmission,” became ill, sought medical care and is recovering at a private residence on Oahu, according to a state Department of Health news release today.
Health officials advised the public that they may have been exposed to measles if they visited the following locations during these times:
Oahu
>> Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, “A” gates and baggage claim area, on Feb. 26, from 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m.
>> Laie Mormon Temple, on Feb. 27, from 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
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Hawaii island
>> Hilo International Airport, Gate areas, baggage claim, on Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; and at the check-in, security, and gate areas on Wednesday, from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
>>Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Visitors Center and other attractions, on Tuesday, from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
>> Hilo Siam Thai restaurant, on Tuesday, from 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Flight notifications have been issued to the airlines and airports through which the confirmed case traveled. The Health Department is also reaching out directly to individuals who had known contact with the confirmed or suspected case, officials said, adding that a medical advisory will be issued to Hawaii healthcare providers.
Health officials offered the following guidance for anyone who was at any of the above locations on the dates and times specified:
>> Unvaccinated: If you have never received a measles-containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, MMR vaccine with varicella (MMRV) or a measles-only vaccine that is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who was exposed and considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Vaccine or immune globulin can be given to prevent measles if received shortly after exposure. Watch for symptoms until three weeks after your last exposure.
If you notice the symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home; contact your healthcare provider right away; call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department.
>> Immunocompromised: Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.
>> Vaccinated: If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action. If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is low. However, to achieve complete immunity, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.
Health officials said measles is one of the most highly contagious viruses. It spreads by direct contact with an infected person or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. An infected person can spread measles to others from four days before developing the rash, through four days afterward. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room, they said.
Symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure and may include: fever greater than 101°F; runny nose; red, watery eyes; and a cough. Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash usually appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, health officials said.
Department officials said the best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. All children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is given at age 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. “If you are planning to travel, consult your healthcare provider to determine whether an additional or earlier dose of MMR is recommended,” they said in the news release.
All adults born during or after 1957 should also have documentation of at least one MMR vaccination, unless they have had a blood test showing they are immune to measles or have had the disease, according to the DOH.
Anyone not protected against measles who believes they may have been exposed and cannot reach their healthcare provider promptly can call the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586, or call the Disease Investigation Branch at 808-586-8362.
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For more information: DOH measles information website; CDC measles website; MMR vaccine fact sheet.
