FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 12, 2019

LAS VEGAS – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting 465 cases of measles in 19 states so far this year. This is the second-greatest number of cases reported in the United States since measles was eliminated in 2000. The Southern Nevada Health District reported two confirmed cases of measles in Clark County in the last six months. The CDC is urging people to protect themselves before traveling, especially to international destinations.

The Passover holiday begins on Friday, April 19, and it is a popular time for families to travel. The CDC is reminding everyone that measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Immunization recommendations for families who are traveling internationally include:

• Infants 6 months through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine.
• Children 12 months of age and older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
• Teenagers and adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should get two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.

Measles is so contagious that one person can infect nine out of 10 people around them if they are not protected. The measles virus can also cause serious health complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death.

Parents are encouraged to vaccinate their children using the recommended schedule for the MMR vaccine. Everyone 6 months and older should be protected with the vaccine before traveling to an international destination.

The Health District’s Immunization Clinics provide services at public health centers throughout Southern Nevada. Immunization services are available at the following locations:

• Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas
• East Las Vegas Public Health Center, 560 N. Nellis Blvd., Ste. E12, Las Vegas
• Henderson Clinic at Touro University, 874 American Pacific Dr, Henderson
  (Monday –Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. by appointment only. The office is closed from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. daily)
• Mesquite Public Health Center, 830 Hafen Lane, Mesquite
  (Immunization services are available by appointment Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., the office is closed daily from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. for lunch)

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.