No confirmed cases of measles, says CMO
Bermuda has had no confirmed cases of measles, the chief medical officer Cheryl Peek-Ball said yesterday after some paediatricians reported being inundated with calls from concerned parents.
The definitive results of a virus test on a possible local case will not be received from overseas until next week, Dr Peek-Ball said. The infection has had a resurgence in North America.
“Unfortunately, a lot of people misinterpreted our statement,” she said, referring to Wednesday’s report of a suspected case. “There has been no confirmed case.”
She encouraged families to check their immunisation records, stressing that the great majority of residents are already immunised.
Bermuda’s isolation also gives the Island “a few days’ grace period” to prepare for outbreaks in the region.
Children can walk into the Government clinic for immunisation, while adults should talk to their physician to find out if immunisation is needed.
There is no harm caused by the vaccine if someone has received one in the past, but Government’s prerogative is child immunisation, Dr Peek-Ball said.
Paediatrician Richard Fulton called an outbreak in Bermuda “unlikely” but conceded it would nevertheless not come as a surprise, given the amount of travel to and from the Island.
“It’s important that people stay calm. There is some erroneous information out there. I understand that people have incorrectly been told that there is a confirmed case of measles on the Island.
“Currently, there are no confirmed cases. Some people have also been told there is a ‘weaker’ vaccine for infants. This is not the case.
“Babies under six months are too young for the vaccine. Between six months and a year an infant can receive the vaccine, which will give them some protection.
“However, they will need a total of three instead of two shots to ensure that they are fully immunised against measles.
“The vaccine is less effective if given under a year of age. Therefore, those children who receive a shot under 12 months old will still need two further shots as per the normal schedule.”
Measles is highly infectious in close quarters, making schools a particular concern for the Ministry of Health. Anyone suspected of having the illness should avoid all contact with others.
Dr Peek-Ball called for anyone with concerns to speak with their doctor.
- Measles is a highly contagious disease. It can be serious for young children.
- Protect your child by making sure he or she is up-to-date on vaccinations, including before travelling abroad.
- Measles is caused by a virus. It starts with a fever and, soon after, causes a cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Then, a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
- Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person has it, 90 per cent of the people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected.
- People in the United States still get measles, but it’s not very common. That’s because most people in this country are protected against measles through vaccination.
- However, since measles is still common in parts of Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa, it is brought into the United States by people who get infected while they are abroad.
Information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
