2nd case of measles confirmed in DC

D.C.'s Department of Health has confirmed another case of measles. It is the second case in the city this year.

The health department says this case is not linked to the outbreak in California and is not believed to be linked to the other measles case in the District.

Officials say they have contacted all of the people who have been exposed to the infected person and are recommending them to be vaccinated if they are not already immune.

Before this year, the last reported measles case in Washington D.C. was in 2012.

From the District of Columbia Department of Health (DOH):

Measles is a highly contagious illness that may have the following symptoms: fever, pink or red eyes, and cough, followed by a red blotchy rash that appears on the 3rd to 7th day beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. The disease is more severe in infants and adults.

Transmission:

Measles is spread from person-to-person by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of an infected person or through the air from an infected person's coughing or sneezing. Symptoms can appear from 7 to 21 days, but most commonly at 14 days following exposure. It is estimated that 90% of individuals exposed to a person infected with measles who are not immune will become infected. People who have not had the disease or who have not been successfully immunized through vaccination are at risk for infection.

Prevention:

Measles can be prevented by a two dose vaccination. This is a safe and highly effective vaccine. The first dose of measles vaccine is usually given between 12 and 15 months of age. A second dose of vaccine is given at school entry (4 to 6 years of age). Both doses are generally given as a combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Residents should contact their health care provider to discuss MMR vaccination history as well as possible exposure to measles.

For more information, visit doh.dc.gov.