Measles Outbreak Not a Problem for Most Seniors

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, is spreading, most signifi cantly in the American Northwest.

The Washington State Department of Health reported 25 confirmed cases in one county.

Measles begins with a fever that lasts for a couple of days, followed by a cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and a rash. The rash typically appears first on the face, along the hairline, and behind the ears and then affects the rest of the body.

Fortunately, however, if the outbreak manages to spread to Tulare and Kings Counties, it won’t be a problem for most of our readers.

“People born before 1957 are considered immune to measles because they almost all have had the measles illness and would have ongoing immunity,” explained Tulare County Health Officer Dr. Karen Haught. “If someone thinks that they have never had the measles illness, or has not had two doses of MMR (the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine) then they can ask for a blood test to check on whether they are immune.”