el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015/eldonnews.org
NEWS
PUBLIC HEALTH
DILEMMA
The outbreak of
a disease that
was declared
eradicated 15
years ago is on
pace to surpass
2014’s record
el Don /SANTA ANA COLLEGE •TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015/eldonnews.org
17
4
The epidemic that
began in
Disneyland had
spread to 17 states
and the District
of Columbia.
35
Number of
infections reported
in Orange County
as of Feb. 9.
88
Number of
confirmed measles
cases in California
since December.
Source: Center for
Disease Control
VIRULENT / Public health officials encourage adults to get booster shots, even if they have received the MMR vaccine. / Mark Boster / MCT
CONTAGION SPREADS
Containing an outbreak linked to unvaccinated children strains public health resources
BY JOHN OLIVARES / el Don
A measles epidemic that began at
Disneyland has spread to 17 states and
the District of Columbia, doubling last
year’s monthly average, public health
officials said.
A total of 121 cases of the disease have
been confirmed across the U.S. since
the end of December 2014, said Dr. Ron
Chapman, director of the California
Department of Public Health.
In Orange County, 35 cases have been
confirmed out of 88 cases reported in
California as of Feb. 9. About more than
half of those are patients 20 years
or older.
“It can be a serious disease for people
of all ages,” said Anne Schuchat, director of the CDC’s National Center for
Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
The CDC urges adults to get
booster shots.
SAC is offering the MMR vaccine for
“There’s no harm in getting another
MMR vaccine if you’ve already been vac- $65. For $8, students can get a blood test
that shows if a person is immune
cinated,” Schuchat said.
Two doses of measles-containing vacor not. So far there have been no measles
cases reported at the college, Rebecca
cine are 99 percent effective in preventBarnard, coordinator of Health &
ing the disease.
Children under age five and adults
Wellness Center, said.
“We’re hoping that people become
over age 20 tend to be the most vulnerable, Schuchat added.
educated and aware of all signs and
symptoms. A room becomes contagious
Measles is an infectious viral disease
for two hours after an infected person
that causes fever, respiratory complications and a spotty red rash all over the
enters. If you show symptoms, remain at
home and isolate yourself,” Barnard said.
body. It begins with a fever that lasts for
The U.S. experienced a record number
a couple of days, followed by a cough,
of infections during 2014, with 644 conrunny nose, conjunctivitis and a rash.
firmed from 27 states reported to CDC’s
Infected people are usually contagious
from about four days before their rash
National Center for Immunization and
Respiratory Diseases. This is the largest
starts to four days afterward.
reported number of cases since measles
Santa Ana College officials have
advised faculty to send home students
was declared eradicated in the U.S.
in 2000.
showing symptoms, and to follow up by
calling the Health and Wellness Center at
Outside Disneyland on a busy weekthe Johnson Center.
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