No new suspected measles cases reported following confirmed case on O‘ahu

No new suspected measles cases have been reported after the Hawai‘i Department of Health confirmed the illness in a child and presumptive case in an adult from O‘ahu.

Both individuals, who are part of the same household, were exposed during international travel. The child has fully recovered.

As of today, the Department of Health identified 92 individuals who were exposed to one or both cases and has been able to reach 88 of these contacts. Most have been vaccinated against measles or have other evidence of immunity to measles, according to a press release from the Department of Health. Contacts without evidence of immunity have been instructed to isolate at home and are under active monitoring.

As of today, 10 people are in this category.

The state department noted there may be individuals exposed in public settings to the illness.

Officials identified all exposed contacts from all exposure locations except the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Members of the public may have been exposed to measles at the airport at the following times and locations:

•   C gates, customs and baggage claim area on March 30 between 10:50 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Terminal 2 departures, TSA checkpoints, and gate area for Delta flight 309 to Atlanta, Georgia, on April 4 between 1 and 7 p.m.

Individuals who may have been exposed and develop measles symptoms should isolate at home and contact their healthcare provider and DOH immediately. The DOH Disease Reporting Line is 808-586-4586. The public can also call the Disease Investigation Branch at 808-586-8362.

The first symptoms of measles usually start 7-10 days after exposure but can start as late as 21 days after exposure. A rash will follow other symptoms by 2-4 days.

Symptoms include:

• Runny nose, watery eyes, cough
• Fever of greater than 101 F
• Rash, beginning on face and spreading downward

Measles is one of the most highly contagious viruses in the world, according to the state department, adding the virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. An infected person can spread measles to others from four days before developing the rash through four days afterward.

The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.

There is no specific treatment for measles. Care of patients with measles consists mainly of ensuring adequate intake of fluids, bed rest and fever control. Patients with complications may need treatment specific to their situation.

Officials say vaccination is the best way to protect against measles and its spread.