Measles cases jump on O'ahu
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer
Nine new cases of measles have been identified on O'ahu since April, prompting state Health Department officials to remind doctors and the public of the importance of vaccinations.
Risk: Anyone who hasn't been vaccinated or had the disease is at risk. Prevention: Vaccination is the best way to keep from getting measles. Infants usually receive a first shot between 12 and 15 months and a second between 4 and 6 years old. Symptoms: Fever, runny nose and cough, followed by red blotchy rash and red eyes. Vaccinations: Doctors and public health clinics offer free or low-cost immunizations for children.
State epidemiologist Dr. Paul Effler said even nine cases are cause for concern, because there were no cases generated in Hawai'i last year, although there were four cases of measles contacted in other countries.
Measles easy to prevent
This year's patients range in age from 10 months to 49 years and are spread across the island — Honolulu, North Shore and Waipahu.
Three of the patients are younger than 2, two are teenagers and the other four are adults, Effler said, with none related to exposure at school. There have been two imported cases this year, from Japan and American Samoa.
Measles was once a common childhood illness, and it can turn serious. Effler said 6 percent of people with the disease will get pneumonia. Nationally, one to three people die for every 1,000 cases.
"Measles is the most infectious disease known to man- kind," Effler said. Anyone who has not had the illness or the vaccine can catch it.
"It can stay in a room floating in air for two hours."
He said parents should check children's shot records for the notation MMR, for measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Most U.S. residents would have received two shots as children by age 6, before entering school.
"The bulk of the population has had shots," Effler said.
Reach Robbie Dingeman at 525-8070 or rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.
