Measles outbreak in Pima County; D-M vaccination schedule accelerated

  • Published
  • By Public Health Flight
  • 355th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Eleven cases of the measles have been confirmed in Pima County since Feb. 12. Patients ranged in age from 10 months to 50 years old and were unvaccinated at their time of exposure. All but one of these cases was exposed in a health-care setting. No cases have been identified on Davis-Monthan or in the 355th Medical Group enrolled population to date. 

Measles is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease and the most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses. It is spread by droplets or direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected persons. The measles, mumps, rubella vaccine is the safest protection you can give your child against measles. 

Measles can be characterized by rash, fever, cough and conjunctivitis. A characteristic red, blotchy rash begins approximately three to seven days after exposure. The rash typically begins on the face, and then becomes generalized, lasting four to seven days. 

D-M has implemented a Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation for an accelerated MMR vaccination schedule. As part of the accelerated schedule, children ages six to 12 months old should receive a single dose of MMR. Additionally, children older than 12 months of age should receive their first dose of MMR as soon as possible after their first birthday and should receive their second dose four weeks after the first. Beginning immediately, MMR vaccinations are available to beneficiaries at the D-M Immunization Clinic based on this accelerated schedule and priority listing. 

1. Active Duty for Force Health Protection 

2. Confirmed exposure to measles for those greater than six months of age. (If done within three days, there is a good chance of avoiding infection or of having a milder course) 

3. Twelve to 24 months old due or overdue for first dose of MMR. (These children will be offered a second dose at four weeks) 

4. Six to 12 months old without immunity requiring single early dose of MMR 

5. Four to six years old due for second dose of MMR 

6. Two to three years old requesting early second dose of MMR 

Other childhood immunizations remain unaffected. Adult beneficiaries with unknown immunity should discuss this with their physician and consider vaccination as well. 

Beneficiaries are urged to contact their primary care physician prior to arrival at the clinic if measles is suspected. This is especially important if the patient is experiencing fever and/or developing a rash. 

For more information, call the immunizations clinic at 228-1536 or public health at 228-2758 or 228-2735.