Health Updates from HJUHSD Health Services
MEASLES OUTBREAK
Measles has been confirmed in 70 California residents since December 2014 in at least 11 counties, including Fresno County.
Of the confirmed cases, 42 have been linked to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California. Patients range in age from 7 months to 70 years. Initial exposures occurred in December but additional confirmed cases visited Disney parks while infectious in January.
Measles is a highly contagious infection that spreads easily and rapidly through the air. Simply being in the same room with someone who has measles can be enough exposure to become infected. Measles virus from a cough or sneeze can linger in the air for an hour or two.
Measles is often not diagnosed until the rash appears, but people are contagious for four days prior to the appearance of rash.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is safe and effective at preventing measles infection. Two doses of MMR are routinely recommended for all children. Many people who are infected either only have 1 dose of MMR vaccines or never receive the vaccines.
California Department of Public Health recommends that any patient with a measles compatible illness who has visited venues where international travelers congregate, such as theme parks, airports, etc., be considered to have a plausible exposure to measles. Also, because there have been cases in persons who have not visited such venues, measles should be considered in any patient with clinically compatible symptoms at this time.
Signs and Symptoms of Measles exposure:
- High fever - can spike as high as 105 Fahrenheit
- Rashes – Measles rashes are red, blotchy, and maculopapular and typically start on the hairline, face, and then spread downwards to the rest of the body.
What is your Measles Immunization Status?
- If you were born before 1957 you are considered to be immune.
- If you were born after 1957, check your immunization record. You should have two doses of the MMR Vaccine on or after your 1st birthday.
- If you have had a measles infection confirmed by a physician, you are immune.
- If you are unsure of your vaccination status or cannot find your immunization record, It will NOT hurt you to get another MMR vaccine.
- You may call your Primary Care Physician to schedule an appointment to get the MMR vaccine OR you can call the local Health Department at 559-584-1404.If your insurance does not cover the vaccine, there will be a minimal fee.
INFLUENZA
Flu season usually runs from September through February. It is still not too late to get the flu vaccine. I would like to encourage those who are uninsured/underinsured to take advantage of the flu clinics at Kings County Health Department (300 Campus Drive, Building 3, Hanford). There is a $5.00 administration fee for the flu vaccine, or Medicare/Medi-Cal. Services will not be refused due to inability to pay. There are many ways to stay healthy: frequent hand washing, covering your mouth when sneezing, eating healthy diet, and getting enough sleep at least 6-8 hours each night.
LOVE IS RESPECT
February is “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.” Health services staff will provide information to our students about healthy relationship vs abusive relationship:
- Feb. 5 - HHS
- Feb. 6 - SPHS
- Feb 10 - HW
This Valentine’s Day, we’d like to remind all of our students and families that everyone deserves a safe and healthy relationship. If you or someone you know has a question about a relationship, healthy or unhealthy, visit loveisrespect.org or text "loveis" to 22522. Remember, love has many definitions, but abuse isn't one of them.
