County's fifth case of measles confirmed; five more suspected
By: North County Times | ∞
A fifth San Diego County child has been infected with measles and a plane-full of travelers may have been exposed, county health officials said Tuesday.
The 11-month-old child with measles is in isolation at a military base in Hawaii, where the infant's family traveled last week, health officials said. Passengers on Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15 to Honolulu, which departed Lindbergh Field from Terminal 2, Gate 41 at 10:30 a.m. Saturday may have been exposed to the disease.
It is the fifth confirmed case of measles in an outbreak that started when three unvaccinated siblings apparently contracted the disease on a family vacation to Europe, health officials said. The infant probably contracted measles at the Children's Clinic in La Jolla, where the siblings received care Jan. 25.
Five additional cases are suspected but not yet confirmed, including a 10-month-old who is hospitalized, health officials said. Those children are believed to have contracted measles at the children's clinic on Jan. 25 and may have exposed additional patients when they returned to the clinic Feb. 5 to 8.
Measles is an extremely contagious illness caused by a virus and spread through saliva. People can die from it, but more often are killed by complications that can include diarrhea, pneumonia, swelling of the brain and seizures. The county has had single cases of measles in recent years, but the outbreak is the first in the county since 1991.
Children in the U.S. usually get two measles immunizations, one at 12 months old and again between the ages of 4 and 6. If exposed, a person who has had even a single vaccination is immune 95 percent of the time, county Public Health Officer Dr. Wilma Wooten said.
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Yikes wrote on Feb 12, 2008 6:18 PM:we'll see more of this as the anti-vaccine hysteria grows. Interstingly the chance of having an adverse reaction is much smaller than the risk of contracting the disease and suffering lifelong consequences.
Parent wrote on Feb 12, 2008 7:13 PM:It might be wise to inform parents when their kids will be in school with unimmunized kids. That way parents can look for a safer school. They might not find one but it should be an option. You can't smoke in school; you shouldn't be allowed to spread preventable diseases either. The minority should do us all a favor and homeschool.
Sandra wrote on Feb 12, 2008 9:16 PM:Didn't we all have measles. I don't understand why this is news?
Karen wrote on Feb 12, 2008 9:19 PM:I don't think kids can go to school unless they are properly immunized--correct me if I'm wrong. We had to fill out all sorts of papers and get the immunization record from the doctor (signed by the doctor) before our soon could go to a daycare center, never mind a school.
Parent2 wrote on Feb 12, 2008 9:47 PM:I feel for those parents like myself who have an infant who is too young to get vaccinated, but is now at risk due to irresponsible, uniformed or inconsiderate parenting.
Your kidding me right?! wrote on Feb 12, 2008 9:47 PM:To Sandra...you must be thinking of chickenpox....not measles.
Parent wrote on Feb 13, 2008 4:11 AM:Yes Sandra, many of us had the measles and some even had polio. That is the point! Now that safe immunizations are readily available, we don't need to brag that we lived through measles, chickenpox, etc. The 21st century is here and you are welcome to join us!
Media Hysteria wrote on Feb 13, 2008 7:38 PM:If your kids ARE vaccinated, why are you afraid to have them around non-vaccinated children? Don't you believe the vaccine protects your child? Hysteria by the media is what this is all about. More children are permanently damaged by vaccines for life, than harmed by measles. Natural immunity from measles is far superior to building a strong immune system for your child than destroying their immune system with vaccines. The 21st Century is here and you lemmings should learn about the serious consequences to your child by the use of precription and over the counter drugs, vaccines, antibiotics, and junk, processed foods, that have deteriorated majority of our childrens health...learn from these mistakes of the 20th century and overcome your false fears so your children can have a healthy future. Stop now with vaccines, before your child is a sad statistic from permanent damage.
Lisa wrote on Feb 14, 2008 6:02 AM:I agree with Media Hysteria but maybe we shouldn't be too too hard on those who are not familiar with what is right and true (for lack of a better way to say it). I have done a lot of research because I had breast cancer 3 years ago at a young age (I am not a doctor, scientist or a government official, I don't even have a degree, but I can read and comprehend things). I discovered, not only through reading but also from the way my body reacted to the major changes I made, that our immune systems respond positively when they are taken care of properly - just like when they are not taken care of positively, there are negative consequences, which is what we see every day all around us. Unfortunately it's usually not until someone is diagnosed with disease that they are they willing to see things they were not willing to see before. That was me. As for vaccinations...if we focus on wellness and not illness by treating our bodies that God created with pupose, love and care, then we honesly wouldn't need to vaccinate.
Truly Responsible Parent wrote on Feb 14, 2008 2:34 PM:I agree with Media Hysteria. Think about this...the media proclaims that these are all unvaccinated cases, yet they urge adults who have been vaccinated to take care as well. WHY? If vaccinations are so wonderful, then why is EVERYONE concerned about the outbreak? Responsible parenting includes not exposing your child to toxins that are unnecessary. Vaccinations are not necessary nor do they provide immunity. Do some research and see how many children REALLY get hurt by vaccinations...and THINK about it. VACCINATIONS ARE NOT IMMUNITY or people would not be so upset.
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