Kansas | Six measles cases identified in Finney County
Topeka | 26 Jan 2012
In a measles outbreak that began this month in Garden City, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Finney County Health Department have identified six cases to date. KDHE urges people who are ill or exhibiting measles-like symptoms to stay at home unless they are seeking medical attention.
On Jan. 10, KDHE was notified of two cases of measles. Both cases were within the same family household and had recent international travel. The onset date of rash was Jan. 3 and Jan. 5. The two initial cases were seen by the emergency department before being admitted to the hospital. Four additional cases – two within the same family household and two outside the family household – have subsequently occurred. To date, all cases have been epidemiologically linked by documented contact.
Finney County Health Department and KDHE are working to identify contacts among the general public and health care personnel. With an average incubation period of 10 to 14 days, secondary cases are now appearing outside the initial family.
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. It causes fever, runny nose, tiredness, cough and a blotchy rash all over the body. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. It is so contagious that any person who is exposed to it and is not immune will probably get the disease. Measles can be spread to others from four days before to four days after the rash appears.
“If you are ill with fever, stay home except to see a healthcare provider. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead so appropriate measures can be taken to protect other patients and staff. In some cases, measles can result in secondary illnesses, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and encephalitis,” said Robert Moser, M.D., KDHE Secretary and State Health Officer.
Two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine – the first dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years – are routinely recommended for all children. Though the second dose of MMR may be given earlier in some circumstances, KDHE is not recommending any changes to the routine schedule at this time. All persons born during or after 1957 should have documentation of at least one MMR or other evidence of immunity. Certain groups of adults may be at increased risk for exposure to measles. Adults attending colleges or other post high school educational institutions, working in medical facilities, or traveling internationally should be assessed to ensure they are properly immunized.
The KDHE EPI Hotline is available for those with questions about potential disease outbreaks at 877-427-7317.
Kansas | KDHE receives new CDC recommendations for TB treatment
Topka KS | The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has received new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the use of a new treatment regimen for tuberculosis (TB) infection.
This new regimen, referred to as the 12-dose regimen, represents a major advancement in preventing future cases of TB disease and puts us closer to our goal of TB elimination. The 12-dose regimen is a combination regimen of isoniazid and rifapentine given in 12 once-weekly doses under directly observed therapy (DOT).
On average, approximately 2,000 people are diagnosed each year in Kansas with TB infection. If left untreated, there is a 5 to 10 percent chance that the infection could develop into TB disease.
“Treating TB infection to prevent progression to TB disease is a cornerstone of the Kansas strategy for TB elimination,” explained Phil Griffin, Director of TB Control and Prevention. “It’s important that those infected receive adequate care.”
KDHE’s TB Control and Prevention Program is rapidly reviewing the new guidance and developing state guidance and policies for the use of this new regimen. Currently, there is not an adequate supply of Refapentine on the market, which will slow the ability of the Kansas TB Control and Prevention Program’s efforts to implement this new regimen. The state is working closely with the CDC and our medication supply outlet to monitor progress for the availability of the medication.
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