A Case of the Measles Reported in Rockport

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Did you know? A case of the measles was reported in Rockport – According to the Public Health Department, a visitor in Rockport turned out to have a case of the measles. They were said to have visited various places in Boston and Cambridge May 1st and on May 3rd, they visited The Pewter Shop and Sea Star Gift Shop, and Brothers’ Brew Coffee Shop. The Boston Globe reported, “On May 4, the tourist was back in Boston, at the Star Market in Copley Square and shopping along Newbury Street. By May 5 through Sunday, the visitor was at Massachusetts General Hospital. Health officials said patients and visitors at the hospital who may have been exposed will be notified by hospital administrators. Nespresso’s cafe on Newbury Street was closed yesterday by the public health department, scheduled to reopen today.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC,) the symptoms of measles generally occur 7 – 14 days after exposure. Measles is an acute viral respiratory illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC,) in 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S., “the annual number of cases has ranged from a low of 37 in 2004 to a high of 667 in 2014. The majority of cases have been among people who are not vaccinated against measles. Measles cases in the United States occur as a result of importations by people who were infected while in other countries and from transmission that may occur from those importations. Measles is more likely to spread and cause outbreaks in U.S. communities where groups of people are unvaccinated.”

See the ‘Fact sheet’ on Measles from the MA Public Health.

Symptoms of Measles – Symptoms generally appear 7 – 14 days after exposure.

High fever
Cough
Runny Nose
Watery Eyes

Two or three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth as an early sign of measles infection.

Koplik spots

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash breaks out.

Measles Rash

Question? Call your primary care physician. Talk to your primary care physician about measles, and about vaccinations to help prevent the measles. If you think you may have been exposed, call your doctor.

Sources and More Information –

GMG’s Kim Smith did a report on measles last year, including a survey asking people their opinion about vaccinating for measles prevention. Here are the results – Out of 158 votes, 149 people (94.3%) chose this response – “All children should be vaccinated against the measles, regardless of their parent’s religious or political viewpoint (the only allowable exemptions are for health reasons).”

~ Wishing You the Best in Health, Karen

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.