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Measles watch for Pacific nations
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Posted on Apr 22 2019
The World Health Organization has alerted the health ministries of Pacific island countries about an increase in measles outbreaks in the Asia-Pacific region.
Palau has no reported cases of measles at this time. However, the Ministry of Health reminds the public of the growing risk from neighboring countries experiencing outbreaks of measles.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk of getting the disease.
Measles starts with flu-like symptoms including high fever, cough, runny nose, and pink eye. A rash also appears 3 to 4 days after the fever starts and usually spreads from head to toe.
Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure for measles. The Ministry of Health urges parents to ensure their children have received the measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, vaccine. Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine before the age of 5 to ensure lifelong immunity against measles. Parents are encouraged to review their children’s immunization records to ensure that they have received both doses of the MMR vaccine. Older children, adults, and individuals planning to travel internationally are also encouraged to review their immunization records to ensure coverage against measles.
The Palau Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the measles situation in the region and provide regular updates to the public. (PR)
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KEY POINTS
– There has been a recent increase of measles outbreaks in the Asia/Pacific region.
– There are currently no outbreaks of measles in Palau or Micronesia.
– Vaccination against measles is the most effective preventive measure.
– Ensure you are up-to-date on your measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, or MMR vaccine, before traveling internationally.
