WILMINGTON, Del. - Between 20 and 30 people at the Nemours Children's Hospital were exposed to a person with measles in late December.
According to the Delaware Division of Public Health, an individual who was not symptomatic but was infectious at the time visited the hospital on Dec. 29. Anyone who visited the facility between 6 a.m. and noon could have potentially been exposed. The division communicated with those identified as potentially exposed to confirm vaccination status, provide educational resources and issue quarantine and exclusion orders when necessary.
Anyone exposed and displaying symptoms should contact the Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology during normal business hours at 302-744-4990 or by using the 24-hour reporting line at 888-295-5156 to coordinate testing and receive guidance.
Those who are sick should seek immediate care by contacting their primary care provider. If experiencing severe symptoms, they should seek immediate care at the nearest emergency department. Prior to going, notify providers and medical transport of measles exposure.
MEASLES SYMPTOMS
Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral illness that begins with early symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose and pink eye. Tiny white spots may also appear inside the mouth. Three to five days later a rash could appear, typically occurring first on the face and spreading down the body. Symptoms often appear seven to 14 days after infection.
The measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. It can spread directly to people through coughing and sneezing or touching the eyes, nose or mouth after touching a contaminated surface.
There is no medication to treat measles, though it usually resolves itself in two to three weeks according to the Division of Public Health. It can be prevented with an MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella.