Dept Probes Two Cases Of Suspected Measles
The Department of Health today [Feb 27] confirmed that the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit is investigating two suspected cases of measles on the island.
“The two cases have come to the attention of the ESU in the past week: the first suspected case on February 25th and the second on February 26th. Close contacts of those individuals are being informed and advised,” a spokesperson said.
“Although no cases of measles have been confirmed, it is important for all members of the public to consider their own immunization status as it relates to protection from measles infection. Documented prior vaccination or prior measles infection are the means of confirming protection.
“Assuring adequate protection from measles and other vaccine preventable diseases is especially important in the event of a local outbreak and prior to travel abroad.
“If you have not had prior vaccination or a history of the disease, you are susceptible to measles infection. If you come into contact with a case of measles or an individual suspected of having the disease you are at risk of contracting the infection.
“People who are susceptible to measles are:
- Infants aged between 6 and 12 months of age. If the mother is immune natural immunity from maternal antibodies is protective for children under the age of 6 months;
- All those born during or after 1966 who have not been immunised with 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine or do not have a history of having had measles.
- Adults who were vaccinated before 1968, because some early vaccines did not give lasting protection.
- People who have had only 1 measles containing vaccine. Routine childhood measles vaccination did not include 2 doses until 1986 so those born between 1966 and 1986 have often had just 1 dose of vaccine.
- People who are immunocompromised (i.e. have decreased immunity) are also at risk – at any age, even if immunised. This includes people with diseases such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma or cancer, HIV and people undergoing cancer treatment or on high-dose steroids.
“People born before 1957 most likely had measles and are therefore most likely to be immune.
“If you have no clear history of measles or vaccination you should consider yourself susceptible. If in doubt, discuss your immunization status with your physician.
“The Ministry of Health, Seniors and Environment wants to particularly encourage parents to assure that their children receive their recommended childhood vaccinations on time.
“Vaccine-preventable diseases can be eliminated. The health, social and economic impacts of these diseases can be reduced through appropriate vaccination.”
For more information about travel vaccinations, contact the Travel Clinic at 278-6460 or visit health.gov.bm.
You are suceptible to measles if: “People who have had only 1 measles containing vaccine. Routine childhood measles vaccination did not include 2 doses until 1986 so those born between 1966 and 1986 have often had just 1 dose of vaccine.”
So that means you can catch measles if you are between the ages of 29 and 49 and still had the vaccine because you only had one shot. Wonderful!
There is an adult vaccination schedule on the CDC website. Many vaccines require boosters.
Children vaccines have first priority in Bermuda…as they should.
There was a time when sensible parents sought to get their children exposed to measles. This is the only way to secure permanent immunity. No matter how many times “authorities” or bloggers, both inoculated by insidious and pervasive commercial interests, repeat the phrase “vaccine preventable disease”, the world has yet to see any evidence to support these empty words.
On the contrary, CDC data and others show just the opposite is true.
This chart sums it up http://www.vaclib.org/sites/debate/web1.html
But don’t let the facts get in the way…