LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A measles outbreak in areas surrounding Southern Nevada has many in the Las Vegas community asking what they need to know to protect themselves and their families.
On Nov. 7, health officials announced the first confirmed case of measles in Clark County since 2018. An infant was detected with the virus on Oct. 31 after being deemed ineligible for MMR, a vaccine that protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. That child was hospitalized before being discharged and is recovering.
Meanwhile, Canada has lost its measles elimination status after the virus spread in the country. More than 5,000 cases have been logged in Canada.
Officials from the Nevada Hospital Association warned that the United States could lose its measles elimination status if outbreaks persist along the Arizona-Utah border, among other locations.
Dr. Jordan R. Larsen, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas, spoke to FOX5 on Thursday to share insights for families as the highly contagious disease continues to make headlines.
FOX5: Talk to me about what you’re seeing concerning measles.
Dr. Jordan R. Larsen, DO: We are receiving reports that there are increased cases in Utah and Arizona. We had one confirmed case in Las Vegas last week. So that’s what we’re seeing right now as far as measles go.
FOX5: How can we prevent becoming like our neighboring states, where they’re having this outbreak?
JL: Measles is a preventable viral infection. We have a vaccine for it that children can get at age one and age four. It’s in the MMR and it is an effective way of preventing measles infections and transmission.
FOX5: Seeing what’s going on in Canada, how can we prevent something like that?
JL: Yeah. Canada is no longer considered to be measles-free. This is what I hear. Continuing to follow the recommendations given by the [American Academy of Pediatrics] for vaccinations for children would prevent the spread of measles and the transmission of measles
FOX5: What should parents and families be doing to protect themselves?
JL: Following the vaccine schedules will prevent measles infections. Also, when your children have a fever, keep them away from other children — keep them home from school. That would also prevent transmission of all viruses, including measles.
FOX5: Are there any other signs and symptoms besides the fever?
JL: So it starts with the fever. The other three very common symptoms of measles would be cough, conjunctivitis, which is pinkeye, and something we call coryza, which is basically just a fancy way of saying a runny nose. Those symptoms develop first, followed by the rash, which usually starts on the face and then spreads throughout the rest of the body. Very red, inflamed-looking rash.
FOX5: There was one confirmed case in Las Vegas. Is there any other recent data available for Southern Nevada?
JL: There’s always that data available … through the Southern Nevada Health District. I’m not aware of other cases at this time, but there may already be some cases that have developed.
FOX5: Anything else that parents should look out for?
JL: The measles virus, just like any other virus, can go away on its own, but you can get very serious symptoms and outcomes from the virus, including encephalitis, which is an infection of the brain. So, obviously, if anything worries you, you can seek help and advice from a pediatrician. Or if it becomes an emergency, we’re always available at Sunrise Children’s Hospital.
FOX5: Any different protocols or anything going on at the hospital?
JL: Yeah. Infection control is obviously important, but wearing a mask does prevent the spread of most viral infections and airborne infections and washing your hands, being vigilant around people who are sick with keeping your hands washed and staying away from close contact.
FOX5: Is there an increase in people coming in worried that they might have the measles?
JL: Not at this moment, not yet, but obviously anytime it starts to become more prevalent in the community, people do get worried and will start to seek advice, and a lot of times it’s nothing, but still, we’re here to help, and we’re happy to tell you that it’s nothing.
FOX5: At what point should patients come to the hospital?
JL: Any time that you’re worried about your child, you can come into the hospital. But, things that should be really worrisome would be difficulty breathing. Not acting right. Signs of dehydration. Like not making urine or just having really dry skin in general — dry mucus membranes, things like that.
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