Measles outbreak in America: New Mexico reports second death – Tips to protect yourself (image credit: ISTOCK)
Another person has died of measles infection as an outbreak continues in the United States, the health officials confirmed. Adult County for New Mexico, New Mexico conducted a positive test for the virus, although according to a statement by the New Mexico Department of Health on 6 March, the official cause of death is still under investigation.
As of 6 March, New Mexico has reported 10 reinforced cases of measles, which are all centered in Lee County. It is not clear that the latest case is related to the outbreak running in Ganes County, Texas, located just 50 miles or 80 km away.
Increasing measles cases in America
The outbreak of measles is spreading rapidly across the country. According to the Disease Control and Prevention Centers, 164 measles cases have been confirmed in the US this year, with reports in several states including Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentki, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Road Island and Texas. Most of the infections are concentrated in the South ground area of the northwestern Texas, where 159 cases have been reported from the end of January.
Nationwide, 32 persons have been admitted to the hospital, and so far two deaths have been reported. The first fatal deadly was a school-age child in Lubock, Texas. Health officials confirmed that none of the deceased patients had obtained measles, kanthamala and rubella vaccine. In fact, the disease control and prevention centers report that so far 95 percent of cases have occurred in individuals or people with unknown vaccination status.
Measles symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through respiratory drops when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after the risk and involve:
High fever, often 101 degree fahinheit or above 38 ° C
cough
Flowing nose
Red, water eyes or conjunctivitis
Clot
Smelt
In severe cases, measles can lead to complications such as encephalitis or brain inflammation and even death. According to the Health Department of New Mexico, one of the about five cases requires hospitalization, and three of each thousand cases die.
How to protect yourself from measles
The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. 97 percent is effective when two doses are administered in preventing measles, kanthamala, and rubella vaccine measles.
Here is how you can stay preserved:
Apply vaccine. If you or your child has not received measles, kanthamala and rubella vaccine, consult the healthcare provider immediately. Children usually receive the first dose in 12 to 15 months and the second dose in four to six years.
Check your immunity. Adults should test uncertainty about their vaccination status for immunity or consider vaccinating.
Practice good hygiene. Wash hands repeatedly, avoid close contact with infected persons, and disinfect surfaces regularly.
Monitor symptoms. If you or a dear person develops symptoms, take immediate care and avoid public places to prevent the virus from spreading.
As measles cases grow in the United States, health officials urged everyone to be vigilant and vaccinated. Dr, Deputy State Epidemiologist of the Health Department of New Mexico. Chad Smelsar said, “We do not want to see New Mexican sick or dying from measles.” “MMR vaccine is the best security against this serious illness.”
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