Above: A 3D graphic representation of a spherical-shaped, measles virus particle studded with glycoprotein tubercles.
On Tuesday, the Arkansas Department of Health reported a fourth confirmed case of measles in a state resident this year.
According to a news release from the department, the individual is a child from Faulkner County who was not fully vaccinated. The health department said the case marks the first instance of community spread of measles in Arkansas this year because the individual had no record of recent travel outside the state.
Measles is a highly contagious illness that can lead to severe health complications. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and rash. Patients are contagious for four days before and four days after the development of a rash. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine offers long-lasting protection, the release stated.
The health department identified the following locations and times the individual visited while infectious:
* Conway Regional Greenbrier Family Medicine, 110 N. Broadview, Greenbrier on April 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
* Irby Dance Studio, 1032 Front St., Conway on April 23 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The department said no exposures have been identified at daycares or schools. Anyone who was at these locations during the specified dates and times is urged to get the MMR vaccine as soon as possible. The release noted that vaccination shortly after exposure can prevent infection.
Those unable or unwilling to receive the MMR vaccine should consult their health care provider about other options. The health department and affected facilities will be contacting potentially exposed individuals. People who have received the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 are generally considered immune.
The health department advises that anyone at those locations during those days and times may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Individuals who were at one of these locations during the listed dates and times and develop symptoms should contact their health care provider by phone, stating their potential exposure to measles and their symptoms. The health care provider should immediately contact the Arkansas Department of Health at 1-866-940-7568.
Due to evidence of community spread in Faulkner County, the health department has updated vaccine recommendations for anyone living in or traveling to Faulkner County and surrounding counties (Cleburne, Conway, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski, Van Buren, and White). Children aged six to 11 months can receive a dose of the MMR vaccine, known as a “zero” dose. Children who receive a “zero” dose should still receive two more doses of the MMR vaccine according to the routine schedule at 12 months and then at four to six years of age. Anyone over 12 months of age can complete a series of two MMR vaccine doses, with the second dose administered at least 28 days after the first dose.
The Arkansas Department of Health said more information is available on its website at Measles (Rubeola) – Arkansas Department of Health or by calling 1-866-940-7568. The department will post future updates on that webpage.
Image: Public Health Image Library, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
