ACTING Chief Medical Officer Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse says the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the measles outbreak which has affected several states in the United States of America and Mexico.

She indicated Friday, however, that Jamaica has been free of endemic (local) transmission of measles since 1991, because of the success of its Expanded Programme on Immunisation.

“Through the Expanded Programme on Immunisation, which was established in 1977, endemic measles transmission was interrupted in 1991,” Dr DuCasse said. “Our immunisation coverage is usually in the 90 per cent range.

“Despite this, we have seen how diseases can cross borders and so we have to ensure that we keep a close watch on the situation in the United States and any other country where measles cases occur,” she continued. “All Jamaicans are therefore urged to ensure that they and their children are protected.”

Dr DuCasse urged parents who have not immunised their children against measles and other vaccine preventable diseases for their age should do so immediately, as they will be susceptible to these diseases.

Symptoms

The most common and first symptoms of measles include a fever, conjunctivitis or sore eyes and a runny nose. Small white spots usually develop inside the mouth a day or so later. A harsh dry cough is usual, as well as a reduction in appetite, tiredness, aches, and pains. After several days, a rash erupts on the face and upper neck, which spreads downwards, reaching the hands and feet.

Cause

Measles is caused by a virus and is highly contagious. It is spread through direct contact and through the air. Complications include pneumonia and can lead to death.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) issued a measles alert on January 28, 2015 due to the outbreak which is affecting several US states and Mexico. The agency has recommended enhanced vigilance given the strong travel ties between the Caribbean and the USA, and given that the region is in the midst of the tourism high season.

The Caribbean sub-region has been successful in maintaining a measles-free status since 1991.

The measles outbreak in the US is said to have originated at Disneyland and, up to last week, had grown to 87 cases.

The California Department of Public Health said last week that most of the infections — 73 — are in California and that the rest are in Arizona, Utah, Washington, Colorado, Oregon, Nebraska, and Mexico.