Protect Yourself From Recent Outbreak of Measles in Europe

Following three years of low Measles incidence from 2007-2009, a sharp increase of reported Measles cases occurred in late 2009, increasing in 2010. As of 2011 the European region is reporting 21,700 cases. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. Efforts being taken in the European Region to achieve the Elimination Target of Measles by 2015. France is the country with the highest rate of Measles; around 14,000 cases since October 2011. Cases of Measles predominantly occurred in children and young adults with no immunization history, or questionable history of immunization. In the United States, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) which has received a total of 156 confirmed cases of Measles, the highest reported cases since 1996. The number of deaths totals 9 from Measles in 2011 in the following countries; France - 6, has the largest number of deaths. Stay Healthy! Nurse G

Measles on the Increase- What the Heck ARE Measles?

What are Measles? With modern medicine and our current vaccinations in the United States, most people may have never seen a case of Measles. According to Pubmed health, Measles are a highly contagious, respiratory virus, spread by contact with droplets from an infected person. Measles can be spread from the coughing or sneezing of an infected person. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002536/ Symptoms of the Measles are fever, runny nose, cough and rash. Other symptoms may include; Muscle pain, Rash, Tiny white spots in the mouth Light sensitivity Runny Nose Sore Throat Cough In response to measles outbreaks, according to WHO World Health Organization as of December 2011, states increasing and immunization advocacy. Recommendations for adjusting the immunization schedule based on a per country decision. Thousands of hospitalizations related to the European Region Measles outbreak, along with the potentially preventable deaths. The CDC, recommends the vaccination MMR which covers Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Check with your medical provider before receiving vaccinations for travel health. the CDC recommends following ADULT schedule for Measles between the ages of 19 and 49 one or two doses. Adults that are over the age of 50, one dose of MMR. Note: The Adult vaccination schedule is not a schedule for children. For more information on the ADULT vaccination schedule visit this link : http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/adult/adult-schedule.pdf