During the month of April, the Rhode Island Department of Health confirmed two cases of measles. The incidents are not related.

According to the Director of Health, Jerry Larkin, MD, “the chance of significant spread of measles in Rhode is very low because we have such a high MMR vaccination rate is very high."

The Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective.  

Measles is not “just a rash”. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that lives in the nose and throat of an infected person. It spreads easily when the infected person coughs or sneezes, or through close personal contact. Infected people can spread the virus from four days before the virus to four days after the rash appears.

Symptoms: usually occur 7-21 days after exposure to the virus, and include:

*High fever

*Cough

*Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

*Tiny white spots on the inside of the cheeks

*Rash: large, flat, red blotches

There is no antiviral therapy for measles. Supportive care for symptoms includes reducing the fever, fluids, and treatment for any bacterial super infections.  Complications range from pneumonia, seizures, permanent blindness, brain swelling, respiratory failure and death.

Talk with your primary care clinician about your vaccination status. Ask questions, be informed.

For more information : Rhode Island Department Health  or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention