As of 3PM Tuesday, the number of probable cases of measles was at 37. There’s still 1 confirmed case of measles but this may change after the Department of Health sent samples for testing in Honolulu last night.
The one confirmed measles case was the only sample that was sent for testing in California, the results of which were made known to the department last week.
DOH Epidemiologist Scott Anesi said, at a press conference yesterday, that samples from the rest of the probable cases were to be dispatched on last night’s Hawaiian Airlines flight.
A question many are asking about the one confirmed measles case is how she contracted measles, when she had both her first and second shot.
Dr. Elizabeth Lauvao, Deputy Director of Health for Clinical Services, explained that they are testing if children who have been fully immunized have other underlying conditions causing the symptoms of measles, such as the red marks.
She said, in their discussion with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they’ve been told that there are tests to ascertain if other health factors are causing the measles symptoms.
The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) shots are given at one and 4 years. But during an outbreak, babies 6 to 11 months can also be immunized.
Dr. Lauvao said babies at this age only need the one shot.
But once they reach 1 and 4, they have to get the two MMR shots.
Also during an outbreak, babies of 15-months who have already received their first shot can get their second shot 28 days after their first dose, instead of waiting till they turn 4.
It was also explained that anyone who has signs of measles should wait to get the shot, until they are well.
Vaccination teams are out in the community this week, and you can get the schedule from the DOH Facebook page or call 219.
