The best and easiest way to stop the spread of measles is by immunization. Any adult who did not contract the measles virus as a child, or wasn't vaccinated as a child, should definitely be vaccinated now.
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) February 06, 2015
The Arizona Republic reported on January 28, 2015 that Arizona public health officials confirmed two more cases of the measles on Tuesday, January 27. The state of Arizona now has five confirmed cases of the measles, all tracing back to the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, CA. Arizona's Department of Health Services has issued a warning that hundreds of state residents, particularly in Pinal and Maricopa Counties, may have been exposed to the deadly disease during the past month.
According to Arizona Department of Health Services, the outbreak has the potential of being worse than the measles outbreak of 2008. Connie Cone Sexton and Paulina Pineda, writing for The Arizona Republic, have noted that the department's director, Will Humble, believes that the outbreak is at "a critical point" and will "absolutely continue to grow."
Terri Porter, the Clinic Administrator at urgent care center Doctors Express Phoenix in Phoenix, AZ, explains that the measles is a virus which spreads via "airborne droplets," and that direct contact isn't necessary for contracting the measles from another infected person. Porter explains that initial symptoms include a rash, starting on the head and spreading over the entire body, and a very high fever; however, as Humble has noted in The Arizona Republic, symptoms tend to appear about a week after contracting the disease -- thus making it difficult to estimate how many people have been exposed to the virus.
The main reason for the outbreak, Porter explains, is due to the number of people who have not received the measles vaccine, or who are "immuno-compromised." Although the latest measles cases in Arizona have affected adults, according to The Arizona Republic, children are often the victims of measles outbreaks because of weak immune systems and/or because their parents have chosen not to vaccinate them.
"The best and easiest way to stop the spread of measles is by immunization," Porter says. "Any adult who did not contract the measles virus as a child, or wasn't vaccinated as a child, should definitely be vaccinated now."
Sexton and Pineda note in The Arizona Republic that state health officials have issued strict guidelines for residents in and around Maricopa and Pinal Counties: unvaccinated adults who may have been exposed to the virus are urged to stay at home for a 21-day incubation period, and children who have not received at least one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines should be kept out of daycare or school for at least 21 days as well.
Additionally, anyone who suspects that they have contracted the virus are urged to contact their local health services office or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate evaluation.
About Doctors Express Phoenix
Doctors Express Phoenix offers a wide range of medical services to their patients, including lab testing, treatment for minor injuries and trauma, adult vaccines, physicals, and more. The clinic is open seven days a week, and takes walk-ins or appointments. To learn more about what Doctors Express Phoenix has to offer in affordable care, visit http://www.doctorsexpressphoenix.com.