Cases continue to climb in a \u201cvery serious\u201d measles outbreak in Collier County.<\/p>\n
Since the semester began the second week of January, more than 50 cases of the highly-contagious virus have been reported on the campus of Ave Maria University.<\/p>\n
According to the university, as of Feb. 11 at 9 a.m., there are a total of seven nurse-assessed students on campus within the four-day contagious period since the onset of a rash, and that they are in quarantine.<\/p>\n
Ave Maria officials also stated in the Feb. 11 update that since the start of the semester, 50 nurse-assessed students have progressed beyond the contagious period and now have natural immunity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe continue to provide care for all students regardless of test results and are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the DOH,\u201d Ave Maria officials stated. \u201cIn addition to the Padre Pio Campus Health Clinic, a second on-campus clinic has been established to support routine student care. We are investing deeply in the care, safety, and medical and spiritual support of every student.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Lee, the county\u2019s leading healthcare provider stated they have are not actively treating any individuals for the virus.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe health system is prepared to support any issues related to the regional measles activity,\u201d said Lee Health Infectious Disease Physician Dr. Charles Callahan.<\/p>\n
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, feeling tired as well as red, watery eyes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cApproximately three to five days after these initial symptoms, a rash appears, starting on the face and spreading downward,\u201d he said. \u201cTiny white spots (Koplik\u2019s spots) may also appear inside the mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Callahan said a measles outbreak occurs when a large number of people are affected. According to the CDC, up to nine out of 10 people without immunity who have close contact with a person affected by measles will develop the virus. Measles is spread when an affected person coughs, breathes or sneezes. An outbreak of measles affecting more than 50 people, such as at Ave Maria University, is \u201cvery serious.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn severe cases, measles can cause pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), permanent blindness, or hearing loss,\u201d Callahan said. \u201cIt can also cause immunosuppression after infection, especially in children.<\/p>\n
\u201cHigh-risk populations could get very sick or even die from measles. The highest risk populations include unvaccinated people, all children younger than 12 to 15 months of age \u2014 before the age of typical immunization \u2014 pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for how an outbreak can be curbed, Callahan said for those exposed to measles, post-exposure isolation and even treatment can prevent illness, reduce severity, and limit the spread.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople who are not vaccinated against measles may need to be quarantined away from exposed individuals and should contact a doctor to determine whether post-exposure prophylaxis is needed,\u201d he said. \u201cGetting vaccinated against measles within 72 hours of exposure can help avoid serious illness. In general, vaccination will help prevent outbreaks and community spread.\u201d<\/p>\n
Callahan added that the incubation period is the time between exposure to a virus and the onset of symptoms. He said for measles, this is usually eight to 14 days after exposure, but it can be as short as seven days or as long as 21 days.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring this time, you may not have symptoms yet, but the virus could be in your body,\u201d Callahan said. \u201cIt\u2019s important to watch for symptoms for three weeks after exposure.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe turnaround time for laboratory testing may be two to three days. If the results are positive, the Florida Health Department will be notified, and you will be notified of the next steps in your care. You should remain at home until four days after the rash onset or until measles is ruled out.\u201d<\/p>\n
The MMR vaccine is being offered at no cost at DOH-Lee County \u2013 Michigan Clinic, at 3920 Michigan Ave. in Fort Myers<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cGetting vaccinated against measles is the best way to prevent an outbreak,\u201d Callahan said. \u201cThe immune response to vaccination is significant, with approximately 93% effectiveness after the first dose and 90% after the second. Adults who were vaccinated or exposed to the virus, even in childhood, are protected.\u201d<\/p>\n For more information:\u00a0lee.floridahealth.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n