By IU Health Ball Memorial and Delaware County Health Dept. Staff—
MUNCIE, IN—With measles cases being reported in Indiana, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and the
Delaware County Health Department are encouraging residents to rely on trusted health
information and take steps to protect themselves and others.
While there is not currently a measles outbreak in Delaware County, the hospital has
established processes to quickly identify and respond to potential exposures. Last month,
two patients with measles were evaluated in the Emergency Department, prompting
immediate contact tracing and coordination with the Indiana Department of Health to
identify and follow up with anyone who may have been exposed. These measures help
protect our patients, visitors, team members and community.
Because measles is highly contagious, it’s important to know how it spreads, recognize the
symptoms and know what to do if you or someone in your family may have been exposed.
What is measles and how does it spread?
Measles is a viral illness that spreads through direct contact with infectious respiratory
droplets and through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The
virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an
area.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles typically begins with:
• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
A rash generally develops several days after the initial symptoms and typically begins on the
face before spreading to other parts of the body.
What should I do if I or someone I know has symptoms of measles?
If you develop symptoms of measles, particularly if you know or suspect you have been
exposed, stay home and call your healthcare provider before going to a doctor’s office,
urgent care or hospital.
Let your healthcare provider know about your potential exposure. Calling ahead allows the
care team to make appropriate arrangements and precautions before you arrive.
People who are ill with measles should stay home and away from others, particularly
unvaccinated infants, people with conditions that affect their immune systems and pregnant
women.
What should I expect if I need care at Ball?
The hospital has precautions in place to identify patients who may have measles and reduce
the potential for exposure to others.
If you are feeling sick and need to seek medical care, please wear a face mask to help
protect those around you. Masks are available at the hospital entrances.
As an additional precaution following the recent exposures, screening procedures are being
implemented at all hospital entrances. During this period, access through some entrances
may be limited.
Patients who may have measles can expect healthcare teams to ask about symptoms and
potential exposures and take appropriate precautions to protect the patient and others in
the healthcare setting.
“Our goal is to make sure people who need care can receive it safely while also protecting
other patients, visitors and our team members,” says Ryan Johnston, MD, FACP, chief
medical officer, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. “If you think you may have measles, calling
ahead before coming to a healthcare facility is one of the most important things you can do.”
How can I prevent measles?
The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
vaccine. Community vaccination helps protect individuals while also reducing the
opportunity for measles to spread, including to people who are too young to be vaccinated or
who cannot receive certain vaccines.
Do I need a measles booster?
Most people who receive two doses of the measles vaccine are protected for life and do not
need a booster shot. People born before 1957 are considered to have “presumptive
evidence” of immunity, because nearly everyone born during this period got the disease
during childhood. Individuals who received the inactivated measles vaccine (only licensed in
the United States between 1963 and 1967) are not considered immune and should be
revaccinated.
When can my child be vaccinated against measles?
During an outbreak, infants can get a dose of the MMR as early as six months of age. This
dose is not considered part of the routine vaccine series and your child will still need to be
given two doses of MMR after they turn 12 months of age. When a child has already
received a dose of MMR after turning 12 months of age, they can receive the second dose
as early as 28 days later. They will then be considered fully vaccinated.
If you don’t know the vaccination status for yourself or family members, the Centers for
Disease Control has a guide to track down vaccination records.
Where can I find reliable information about measles?
With information spreading quickly through social media and other channels, community
members should look to trusted public health and healthcare sources for current guidance.
For information about measles cases, exposures, vaccination and prevention, visit:
• Indiana Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Delaware County Health Department
• Your healthcare provider
“We know people have questions, particularly when they hear about measles exposures in
their community,” says Ritika Zijoo, MD, MPH, infectious disease specialist, IU Health Ball
Memorial Hospital. “The best thing people can do is get information from trusted health
professionals, know their vaccination status and call their healthcare provider if they have
symptoms or believe they have been exposed.”
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and our public health partners will continue working
together to share timely, accurate information and keep our community informed.
The post Measles: What Our Community Should Know appeared first on Muncie Journal.
