DOVER, DELAWARE (1/30/2015) The first measles case reported in Delaware since 2012 is not linked to a recent national outbreak of the illness, state health officials said today.
A New Castle County resident in her late 20s contracted measles outside of the country. She was hospitalized briefly but now is recovering at home.
None of her close contacts have shown measles symptoms, according to the Division of Public Health.
“This case and the recent outbreak in the U.S. reminds us of the importance of vaccination against measles,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, division director. “The disease was considered eliminated in this country in 2000 but cases have been growing again in the last few years likely due to pockets of unvaccinated individuals in the U.S. and international travel to countries where the disease is still endemic. Vaccination remains the best protection.”
Delaware requires that school-age children be vaccinated against measles.
The division gave these details:
- Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus.
- It spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing.
- Measles starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat, and is followed by a rash that spreads over the body.
- Infected people can spread the disease from up to four days before and four days after the rash appears.
- About three out of 10 people who get measles will develop one or more complications including pneumonia, ear infections, or diarrhea. Complications are more common in adults and young children.