The Oklahoma State Department of Health issued a press release stating that there are now two probable measles cases in Oklahoma. The OSDH said that the cases are currently considered probable cause cases based on the patients’ reported exposure connected to the Texas and New Mexico outbreak. The patients also reported to be having symptoms consistent with the measles.
These cases fall under the CDC’s definition of probable cause cases because the patients show symptoms consistent with the national standard surveillance definition. However, the cases lack a confirmed test result or link to a lab confirmed case.
Kendra Doughtery, Director of Infectious Disease Prevention Response with the OSDH, said it is important to monitor probable cases and notify the public.
“These cases highlight the importance of being aware of measles activity as people travel or host visitors,” said Doughtery. “When people know they have exposure risk and do not have immunity to measles, they can exclude themselves from public settings for the recommended duration to eliminate the risk of transmission in their community.”
OSDH said that measles can easily be prevented by taking the MMR vaccine.The vaccine is recommended for children at 12 to 15 months of age and another one between the ages of four and six.
It is important for an individual to follow a few steps if that individual has had any known exposure to someone with the measles and they are not immune through vaccination or prior infection. These individuals should consult with a health care provider to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended. Individuals with probable case exposure should exclude themselves from any public setting for 21 days unless symptoms develop. If symptoms develop, they should stay away from public areas until five days after the rash appeared.
Individuals should contact their health care provider immediately if there is a possibility of exposure or if symptoms appear.
According to the Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 310:515, measles is an immediately notifiable reportable disease. If a health care provider, laboratory or hospital suspects, tests, or diagnoses an individual with measles, the OSDH should be notified immediately.
Currently, Texas has 223 confirmed cases of the measles. Out of the confirmed cases, 29 have been hospitalized and there has been one fatality.
The OSDH said there have been two probable cases of the measles reported in Oklaoma. Getting the MMR is one way to combat the disease.
Photo courtesy of Matt Swearengin