Regarding the several measles cases that occurred over the weekend at a Broward County primary school, the Florida Department of Health is conducting an epidemiology investigation.
DOH-Broward announced an investigation into the cases following the four reported cases at Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston over the weekend.
The agency stated, “Please note that all information pertaining to the investigation is confidential.”
“DOH-Broward is continuously working with all partners including Broward County Public Schools and local hospitals to identify contacts that are at risk of transmission.”
DOH-Broward has informed local healthcare providers through a press release that individuals who have completed the full series of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) immunization are 98% protected and have a low risk of contracting the disease.
According to DOH-Broward, measles is highly contagious and can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.
The outbreak rate is over 90% among susceptible contacts, such as individuals with compromised immune systems or those who have not finished the entire dose of MMR vaccinations.
Broward County Urges Vigilance in Measles Outbreak
The agency stated that DOH-Broward is identifying susceptible contacts based on exposure timeframe, who may be candidates for post-exposure prophylaxis through MMR or immunoglobin.
Symptoms typically start around eight to 14 hours after exposure, but in some cases, they may appear up to 21 days later. Transmission can occur four days before the rash is visible and four days after it appears. Moreover, in certain instances, measles may lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
Rash, initially appearing on the face and neck but later spreading across the body, is the most visible sign of measles. On the other hand, various symptoms are mentioned by DOH-Broward and include:
A high temperature
A cough
A stuffy nose
Irritated, red eyes
“If you suspect or notice any of the symptoms, contact your healthcare provider to receive instructions on how to safely seek medical attention without exposing other patients,” said the DOH-Broward.
Furthermore, the agency raised the value of not turning up unexpectedly to either DOH-Broward or your doctor’s office without first making an appointment.
