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Measles outbreak in Kosrae has Guam concerned
GUAM (Pacific News Center)—Guam’s Department of public Health and Social Services is asking health care providers to watch for cases of measles, after a recent outbreak was reported in Kosrae.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease causing fever, a runny rose, a cough and a distinctive rash all over the body. While measles generally affects children, adults who have not been properly vaccinated could get the disease too.
The centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination at the age of one with a second dose to follow between the ages of four and six. If a person is behind the vaccination schedule, DPHSS CDC Annette Aguon recommends that they get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Now we have this outbreak in Kosrea but we still have the ongoing outbreak in the Philippines,” Aguon told PNC. “Its summer time and that’s our biggest concern is not only the importation into Guam but also for our island residents going for summer vacation going to visit family and friends in Asia, there’s also ongoing outbreaks in the [United] States.”
The last confirmed case of measles in Guam occurred in March of this year. A case investigation revealed that the patient was exposed to the disease while in the Philippines.
