Mahaska Health Partnership Helps Answer Questions You May Have About The Measles

Mahaska Health Partnership

I would like to thank Mahaska Health Partnership Public Health Coordinator Patty Malloy for taking the time to answer some questions about the measles, and how you can get help if you think you have been infected. Yesterday, the Iowa Department of Public Health stated: “A confirmed case of measles has occurred in a Dallas County resident. This situation is being treated as a public health emergency because measles spreads easily and can cause serious illness and death.”

With these concerns in mind, I asked Mahaska Health Partnership about how we could help address some common questions about this disease, and how the public can help to protect themselves.

What are the basic symptoms of measles?

Fever, rash, runny / stuffy nose, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye lids) and cough. The measles rash typically begins on the face and spreads downward toward the body then outward to extremities/hands and feet.

How can the public protect themselves?

Make sure your immunizations are up-to-date, in this case it would be the MMR which is a 2 shot series typically given at ages 12 months and a booster at 4 years of age. If you are not sure you or your child has had the MMR immunization check with your healthcare provider or public health office. Getting up-to-date on immunizations now could prevent you from getting the disease if you came into contact with someone that had the measles. The VFC (Vaccine For Children) program provides immunizations for children birth to age 18 if you are uninsured, under insured or have Medicaid. This program is done at Mahaska Health Partnership Public Health or check with your healthcare provider.

If you think you have measles what should you do?

Call your local medical provider and let them know that you suspect you could have the measles, what your potential exposure is and your symptoms so they can evaluate and take the proper precautions when examining or treating you. Precautions should be taken to prevent further spread of the measles to others by avoiding public places. Healthcare Providers could, for example, see the patient outside, at the end of the day when there is no other patients in a waiting area or have the patient come in a back door. If you think you might have the measles then it is very important to not expose others until you are evaluated by your healthcare provider or a test can confirm either positive or negative. Avoid public places such as the mall, restaurants, grocery stores, sporting events and family events where you can expose others..

Who should the public call if they have questions?

You should call your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any symptoms. If you have general questions regarding the measles or where to go for immunizations you can call MHP Public Health at 673-3257.