Readers this was a surprise to me as I heard this ABC News.Com report indicating that there is a New York City measles outbreak and it has spread to the Lower East Side. The measles is highly contagious and it’s spread through the air, according to New York City Health Commissioner Mary Bassett.
The outbreak emerged in northern Manhattan and the Bronx area and it has now spread to the Lower East Side. Bassett stated there have been at least 25 New Yorkers, including 13 children, which have contacted the virus.
I felt the urge to post this warning for people who may be traveling through New York City and it could have an adverse effect on their health if they came down with the measles when they’re traveling; and especially women who are expecting a child.
Bassett made a statement today, “Measles is highly contagious and it can spread through the air;” and she urges New Yorkers and their household members, including young children 12 months and older, to get vaccinated.”
Many people may not realize that the measles virus “does” spread through respiratory droplets via mists exhaled during sneezes and coughs. A person who has not been vaccinated and they’re exposed, there’s a 90 percent chance they’ll become infected. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) can safely reduce the risk by 95 percent, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The MMR vaccine “does” cause some people to have side effects according to the department; and some people will experience mild side effects like fever, mild rash or swelling of glands in the cheeks or neck.
I can remember as a youngster being a very sick little girl when I had the measles, they even attacked the inside of my mouth, tongue and nose and I had a high fever. I couldn’t eat anything for a couple days. I remember my mother staying up for a couple nights rinsing me in cold water and it took me several days to feel better.
The measles cause a high fever and a red rash that fades in time. It’s wise to know that some people experience a dangerous complication, from pneumonia to brain infections. The virus can also cause premature labor and miscarriage in pregnant women, according to the Health Department.
The Health Department indicated there have been four measles cases that have resulted in hospitalization.
Bassett indicated New Yorkers are being urged by health officials to call a doctor before seeking medical attention at a clinic to avoid exposing others to this contagious virus; and she also said, “I strongly advise all urgent care centers, emergency departments, and clinics to educate their staff about measles and ensure that all patients who may have measles to immediately isolated.”
Barbara Kasey Smith wrote this office based on an ABC News.Com report.
Source:
ABC News.Com