Measles case in Clark County

Health District encourages Southern Nevadans to review immunization status

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 15, 2019

LAS VEGAS – An investigation by the Southern Nevada Health District has confirmed an internationally imported case of measles in Clark County. The patient is an international visitor and the potential Las Vegas exposure occurred between Saturday, March 9 and Monday, March 11. The patient’s immunization status is unknown. The Health District is notifying individuals who might have had contact with this patient and will not be releasing any additional information about the patient.

Because measles can be highly contagious, the Health District is advising people who visited the following locations during the times specified to review their immunization status and contact their health care providers if they are not fully immunized against measles and have not already had the disease. In addition, they should contact their health care providers if they develop a rash with fever or other symptoms consistent with measles within 21 days after their visit to these locations. It is recommended that anyone with symptoms contact a health care provider’s office before entering a health care facility to allow the facility to make appropriate arrangements to ensure the illness is not spread.

• Treasure Island Hotel and Casino/TI/registration desk and main hotel lobby, 3300 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas NV 89109, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, March 9
• Desert Springs Hospital/Emergency Department, 2075 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89119, between 11 p.m. Sunday, March 10 and 6 a.m., Monday, March 11

The risk of disease is low for persons previously vaccinated against measles or diagnosed with the disease. Because individuals who are not immune to measles might have been exposed between Saturday, March 9 and Monday, March 11, the Health District is alerting the community about the possibility of measles transmission so that Valley residents have an opportunity to receive a measles immunization. The Health District advises anyone who develops measles symptoms to call his or her medical provider before visiting a clinic or health care center.

The measles vaccine is highly effective; however, some people may not be adequately protected. Recommendations for measles vaccination may vary depending on your age, occupation, or health status. For additional information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know page.

Measles can be spread among susceptible people and can result in serious infections resulting in pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and death. Many people born before 1957 had the disease in childhood, and younger people are routinely vaccinated against it.

Symptoms can begin up to 21 days after exposure to the virus.  On average, an infected patient will develop a fever about 10 days after exposure to the virus. The fever can last two to four days and can peak as high as 103˚ F to 105˚ F. Following this, people will often also develop a runny nose, cough, and/or red eyes. On average, about 14 days after exposure the telltale rash appears; the rash can last five to six days. It begins at the hairline, moves to the face and neck, and eventually reaches the hands and feet. Measles can be spread approximately four days before the rash appears and four days after.

People who have had measles or have been adequately immunized against it are protected. Immunity can be determined by a blood test. People are considered immune if:

• they were born before 1957 as many of them had the disease as a child;
• they have written documentation of adequate vaccination:
  • one or more doses of a measles-containing vaccine administered on or after the first birthday for preschool-age children and adults who are not at high risk
  • two doses of measles-containing vaccine for school-age children and adults at high risk, including college students, healthcare personnel, and international travelers
• a blood test for measles antibody is positive.

For information about the Health District’s immunization clinics, call (702) 759-0850. Immunizations are available at the following locations. Please arrive by 4 p.m. to allow time for processing:

• Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas
  Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.

• East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd., Suite E12, Las Vegas
  Monday — Friday, 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.

• Southern Nevada Health District Henderson Clinic, 874 American Pacific Dr., Henderson
  Monday — Thursday, 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. — 1 p.m.
  Closed daily 1 p.m. — 2 p.m.
  By appointment only. Call (702) 759-0960.

• Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Lane, Mesquite
  Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. Closed noon — 1 p.m.
  By appointment only. Call (702) 759-1682.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.