The measles virus has resurfaced with an outbreak in several states across the country, with hundreds of people contracting the disease. With new cases and exposures reported frequently, it’s important for Oklahomans to understand the resurgence of measles and how to prevent exposure to this deadly disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease can even live in the air up to two hours after the infected person has left and is particularly harmful to children. Immediate measles symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. The secondary symptoms include a rash of tiny, red spots on the head, spreading to the rest of the body, which can be followed by pneumonia and brain swelling.
Measles spreads rapidly because it is highly contagious, but it’s also highly preventable. The best way to prevent measles is with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. The CDC recommends children receive two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at four through six years of age. Most adults who received two doses of the measles vaccine as children are protected for life and should not need any additional boosters.
It’s important to know we have resources like the Oklahoma Caring Van program that provide vaccinations at no charge, including the MMR vaccine, to qualifying children throughout the state. In 2018, the Caring Van program provided more than 20,000 immunizations to children in our state. To see an upcoming clinic, visit oklahomacaringfoundation.org/schedule.html.
To continue to protect our loved ones and our communities, I encourage every family in Oklahoma to visit with a health care professional to learn more about getting vaccinated to protect our children’s health, and the health of our state.
Joseph R. Cunningham is president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, a Division of Health Care Service Corp., a Mutual Legal Reserve Company.